Tobacco products, medications, poor oral hygiene, and foods and beverages containing chromogens can cause stained, yellow, and dark teeth. Foods like coffee, tea, berries, and tomatoes contain chromogens or pigmented compounds that stick to the tooth enamel.
Over time, smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using other tobacco products also turn the tooth enamel yellow. Patients who take medications can experience tooth staining as well. Not caring for teeth makes them more prone to decay and causes blemishes.
Dr. Matthew Gerald offers teeth whitening treatments to patients in Vienna, VA. This cosmetic dental treatment can brighten the look of the tooth enamel by many shades. Dr. Gerald works one-on-one with his patients to find the most useful teeth whitening options. Continue reading to learn more about cosmetic dental whitening.
KOR Teeth Whitening Treatment by Matthew Gerald, DDS
KOR Whitening Treatment is a revolutionary teeth whitening procedure that promises to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. The treatment is safe and effective and provides long-lasting results without any side effects.
The KOR system uses a combination of in-office and take-home teeth whitening. The process uses whitening trays that seal the teeth to ensure the active ingredients are as effective as possible. They also seal out saliva, which can decrease the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide.
The first two weeks of KOR treatment involve whitening trays that you will wear at home. These trays are custom-fitted to each patient. After this time, we add one treatment in our office. Treatment continues with both in-office and take-home whitening over the next couple of months. Combining these treatments creates long-lasting results.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Many different factors contribute to tooth discoloration. One of the most common causes is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up, making your teeth look yellow and brown. If you properly care for oral health, the plaque and tartar can’t linger on the teeth long enough to cause staining.
Smoking and other tobacco use contribute to stains of the same colors. Tar and nicotine produce yellow and brown stains that sometimes darken to black. It harms your gums, too, making them discolored, too. Quitting smoking can benefit both appearance and oral health.
Most of us will drink and eat foods and beverages that contain staining components. Things like coffee, red wine, strawberries, and other darker fruits and vegetables all stain the teeth over time. This is especially true if you aren’t brushing your teeth after you’re consuming these things. When you consistently consume these things, the staining can get pretty dark. Try limiting the consumption of these. When you drink staining beverages, use a straw so they make less contact with your teeth.
Genetics even play a part. Some people are just more prone to staining than others. Aging causes discoloration, too. Through the years, the bright white enamel outer layer wears away. It exposes more of the off-white dentin layer underneath.
Deeper discoloration occurs when you experience trauma to the tooth. If the blood supply is cut off to your tooth, it can turn your tooth black or gray. Trauma can also cause your tooth to overproduce dentin, contributing to tooth discoloration. During your tooth development, taking certain antibiotics or other medications cause staining.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
There are so many options out today that can fix your tooth stains. However, dentists have the tools and experience to do a more thorough teeth whitening job. Read the following answers to many patients’ questions about teeth whitening treatments.
How does a professional whitening procedure compare to a store-bought one?
Store-bought or over-the-counter teeth whitening products have inconsistent results. On the other hand, professional teeth whitening services can guarantee the results you are looking for within one visit.
Patients with sensitive teeth may not react well to over-the-counter whitening products. They may have strong bleaching formulas but provide very temporary results. With our whitening treatment, patients have complete control over their experience. Our team can help tailor your treatment to your teeth sensitivity and whitening goals.
What are the benefits of professional teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening at the dentist:
- Brightens your smile by many shades
- Offers a safe way to brighten your teeth
- Minimizes the risk of gum irritation or damage
- Can boost your confidence
Contact our Vienna dental office to learn more about your whitening options. Dr. Gerald or a member of his team can help you decide the best option for your specific needs.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
The side effects of teeth whitening can vary from person to person. Some people experience tooth sensitivity due to the chemicals in the solution still active on their enamel. Another side effect is gums or mouth irritation due to the toothpaste you use, what you eat, and how often you brush your teeth.
How long does teeth whitening treatment last?
Although results vary from patient to patient, professional teeth whitening typically lasts many months. Daily oral hygiene is key to helping your teeth remain whiter longer.
We also recommend avoiding smoking or drinking tea, coffee, and wine to keep your teeth white. Routine visits for dental cleanings can also help your smile. Finally, we can provide touch-ups so you can extend your results.
What are intrinsic and extrinsic stains?
Extrinsic stains are cosmetic stains on the tooth surface. Intrinsic stains occur inside the tooth, and damage or infection can cause them. Teeth whitening treatment can easily treat extrinsic stains.
Your dentist may treat intrinsic stains with other cosmetic options, like porcelain veneers and dental bonding. Dental veneers and tooth bonding can cover the front and sides of the tooth enamel for a brighter look.
Can I brush my teeth after a teeth whitening treatment?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after teeth whitening. However, we recommend waiting two hours after treatment before brushing. Furthermore, you should not eat or drink for two hours following your teeth whitening appointment. This is because your teeth will be sensitive and could cause damage if you do so.
How much does teeth whitening in Vienna cost?
Teeth whitening in Vienna is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability and quick results. The cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on the type of whitening procedure you choose and the severity of the discoloration. The price of teeth whitening may also depend on which dentist or clinic you visit and how extensive the treatment is. Consulting our dentist after a thorough dental exam will give you a better idea of what it will cost.
Do you want to whiten your teeth today? Call Dr. Gerald and his friendly dental care team today at (703) 721-4796 or request a dental appointment on our website. Feel free to ask Dr. Gerald any questions during the treatment process; we will gladly assist you.