Many patients tell us at Green Tree Dental they are not satisfied with their smile. When questioned, they often express concerns over the color or staining of their teeth. One easy and simple approach to addressing these concerns is teeth whitening offered by your Boise dentist at Green Tree Dental.
What causes teeth staining and discoloration?
Many things cause some discoloration of the teeth. Some of the more common causes are:
Food and Drink: Food such chocolate, berries, tomato sauce. The most common culprits to staining are beverages such as coffee, tea and red wine.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, cigars or even chewing tobacco cause significant staining.
Tooth defects: Old fillings, rough, chipped or cracked teeth accumulate staining very quickly.
Trauma: Previous trauma to teeth may cause staining over time
Bleaching Options
The two most common and simple ways to whiten teeth are in-office bleaching and at-home bleaching. Both produce great results and have their own advantages.
In-office Bleaching: This is a great option for those patients who want a quick result for a special occasion; weddings, anniversaries, class reunions, or vacations. This is a 45 minute procedure in the dental office where high strength bleach is applied directly to the teeth. The results are instantaneous.
At-home Bleaching: If you are looking for a more long term, predictable approach, at home bleaching may be for you. This is a great option for coffee or wine lovers. Patients with habits such as coffee, wine or smoking often benefit most from an at home approach where they can whiten their teeth as often as they need. The result may be slower to achieve, but can easily be maintained through a customized regimen. Patients often bleach between one and four times a month.
How do I use the at-home whitening gels?
The team at Green Tree Dental takes an impression of your teeth, then in only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear splints.
Benefits of Whitening
Self Confidence: Easily the biggest benefit of teeth whitening is a boost in self confidence. A bright, white smile will make anyone feel better about their teeth and self.
Better home care: When teeth are whitened and healthy, we often see improvement in they way patients care for their teeth
My teeth are sensitive when I bleach!
If your teeth are sensitive during bleaching there may be an underlying cause, so as always, talk with your Boise dentist Dr. Schmidt. If you have traditionally have sensitive teeth, use a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate (Sensodyne, Crest Sensi relief, Colgate Sensitive, etc.) for at least one month before whitening. Also, talk to the team at Green Tree Dental if you are having sensitivity, as your Boise dentist Dr. Schmidt may be able to lower the percentage concentration of the whitening product, or apply professional-grade desensitizing agents. Check out our blog in a few weeks for the coming topic of toothpaste selection!!!
Call your Boise dentist Dr. Schmidt at Green Tree Dental to make your appointment to discuss which bleaching options are best for you.
