A lot of people consider a white and bright smile a symbol of excellent oral hygiene and health. However, it’s also true that you can have discolored teeth and still have proper oral hygiene habits and excellent oral health.
One of the ways that Dr. Tyler Hubbard and Dr. Regan Luders here at Door County Dental Care addresses stained teeth at the office is through teeth whitening. To figure out whether teeth whitening will work for you, read the answers to the most common teeth whitening questions below.
Why Do I Have Discolored or Stained Teeth?
Surface stains gradually develop on the teeth and make them look discolored and dull. The problem is, you can’t avoid surface stains due to the drinks and foods you expose your teeth to every single day. Proper oral care and biannual professional teeth cleanings certainly help to reduce stubborn discoloration. But if you’re looking for quick and more noticeable results, professional teeth whitening is the best option.
Likewise, some people have discolored teeth because of trauma to the tooth, the medications they take, and their natural teeth coloring. For these types of stains, your dentist may recommend teeth whitening options like porcelain veneers, bonding, or dental crowns, because these are deep stains that even in-office bleaching can’t remove.
Do DIY OTC Teeth Whitening Kits Work?
There are countless DIY OTC teeth whitening options you can find anywhere, from toothpaste to rinses, strips, gels, and trays. While these work to lighten the teeth to some extent, the results won’t be as dramatic as results from professional teeth whitening.
It’s also vital to note that irritation and sensitivity to the gums and other oral tissues are common with OTC whitening kits, so you need to be extra careful when using them.
What Benefits Do I Get With Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can be done at-home with dentist-supervised and prescribed whitening kits. Professional whitening methods work faster and offer more dramatic results than OTC teeth whitening solutions. The results likewise last much longer.
Most importantly, irritation and sensitivity are minimal to none since you will be using a custom-made whitening tray during the process to ensure that the whitening product stays inside the tray and won’t leak out and irritate your oral tissues.
Contact Us To Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Schedule an appointment with your dentist Dr. Tyler Hubbard or Dr. Regan Luders at Door County Dental Care by dialing (920) 743-6911.