Tag: teeth whitening

Many patients want to see a whiter and brighter smile when they look in the mirror. Dingy and stained teeth can hold you back from feeling self-confident.

Whether you have a big event to attend like a school reunion or wedding, or just want a nicer-looking smile for your daily life, teeth whitening is a wonderful way to feel more fabulous.

“Regular” folks see movie stars with dazzling smiles and think they must be the only ones who can look so spectacular. It’s not the case.

Teeth whitening can make nearly anyone’s smile look just as stunning, and here at Lifetime Dental Health, we have in-office and at-home options that can vastly improve your smile.

Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening and if you may be a good candidate. With some information, you can make a smart choice and see that gleaming smile you have always wanted.

How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, that’s a start. If your teeth are stained, discolored, or just dull, teeth whitening can make them whiter and brighter.

Yellowish, orange-tinged, or even brownish teeth can be improved with teeth whitening. Grayish stains don’t always whiten up as much, but some improvement can be achieved.

Your teeth may not be stained terribly, but as we eat and age, color changes happen. A teeth whitening treatment can turn things around and give you that stellar smile you’ve been missing.

Those who may not be good candidates are people with periodontal disease or eroded enamel. People with sensitive teeth may not be able to tolerate the process. We’ll assess your situation during your consultation.

What Can Cause My Teeth to Stain or Become Discolored?

As mentioned above, time can be a culprit. As we get older, our teeth may start to discolor or lose their shine. But there are other things we do regularly that contribute to staining or discoloration.

What we eat and drink makes a real difference. Some foods and drinks can stain the enamel, and over time, the color won’t get “brushed off” as it seeps in.

Some foods and drinks to avoid or limit to prevent staining and discoloration include dark berries, chocolate, tomato-based soups and sauces, red wine, coffee, tea, and cola. Of course, moderation is key, so if you love your coffee, have a cup every once in a while.

Other things can cause staining or discoloration. Certain medications like tetracycline may have an unwanted effect on the teeth. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing this and to find out if there is something else you can take in its place if this is a concern for you.

Smoking is a big no-no for many reasons, one of them being aesthetic. Tobacco stains the teeth, so if you need another reason to kick the habit, there you go.

Fluorosis can be an issue too. When teeth are overexposed to fluoride early in life as the permanent teeth are forming, discoloration can endure.

Does Lifetime Dental Health Offer In-Office Whitening?

We offer in-office whitening at Lifetime Dental Health, and just one visit can do the trick. Unlike store-bought strips and trays you can get over-the-counter, our teeth whitening procedure works better, more efficiently, and the results last longer. Plus, we ensure your safety and comfort as we get your teeth multiple shades whiter. The process is painless and doesn’t take too long. You’ll walk out of your appointment with a beautiful smile that you’ll want to show everyone!

For those who prefer to do the whitening at home, we can supply you with trays which you can use comfortably in the privacy of your own home. This process will take longer, as you’ll need to wear them for several days (perhaps longer if you have sensitive teeth and can’t keep them on for a long stretch), but the results will be worth the effort.

How Long Will the Results of Teeth Whitening Last?

Every person’s results will be different. Some people have the same level of whiteness for as long as three years. Others see fading after a few months. Generally speaking, those who are diligent about their dental care and don’t consume foods or drinks that are known to stain will see longer-lasting results. When it’s time for a touch-up, you know who to turn to.

Are You Ready to See a Whiter Smile?

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, please feel free to contact us at Lifetime Dental Health so we can set you up with a consultation.

If you have any questions or concerns, we will be more than happy to address them. Your peace of mind and overall confidence in our team is important to us.

We look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a smile that could light up a room.

Most people want to have a bright, white and polished smile, but are not sure how to go about doing so; or they do not think it is possible to have that celebrity smile without paying a celebrity price.

There are several ways people can try to whiten their teeth, such as home whitening strips, toothpaste, whitening kits, and even coconut oil.

Each method varies in price as well as results. Below are more details on how to get the smile you truly want this summer.

What does whitening my teeth involve?

In a nutshell, the process of whitening the teeth consist of removing discoloration and stains from your teeth. The actual details of the process depend on the method you choose. 

After the procedure has been completed, it needs to be repeated to maintain your bright polished smile. The frequency of repeating the whitening procedure depends on the whitening method you have chosen. 

What causes my teeth to be discolored?

There are several reasons your teeth can experience discoloration. Here is a list of the most common causes of teeth discoloration:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Tobacco and other drug use
• Dark colored drinks/foods
• Age
• Medication 

What are some teeth whitening methods?

A few of the most popular options available to help you achieve a whiter smile are whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, coconut oil, whitening kits, and participating in an in-office whitening procedure. 

Whitening strips

Whitening strips can be purchased at just about any pharmacy or store that sells teeth cleaning products. While the instructions vary depending on the brand you are purchasing, generally the package of the whitening strips contains enough disposable strips to last you one or two weeks. 

These strips are attached to your teeth and are worn anywhere from 15-45 minutes a day for one to two weeks. The results can last anywhere from two to four months. The results will depend on if the directions are entirely followed as listed on the package. 

This process is a DIY process and does not require the supervision of a dental professional. 

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is known for repairing the enamel on your teeth while you brush. Repairing/strengthening the enamel makes your teeth stronger, which protect against cracks and stains.

This process also requires you to follow the directions as listed on the packaging, because each brand has different requirements. Some whitening toothpaste has a limit on how often you can use it while others will allow you to use it daily.

Coconut oil

Some people want to find more natural ways to whiten their teeth; coconut oil is one of those options. You put a bit of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about one to two minutes.

 The objective is for the oil to trap the bacteria, so once you spit out the coconut oil, the bacteria is also expelled. The oil itself makes your teeth slick, which makes it harder for stains to stick to your teeth. This method is also known as an oral detoxification method. 

The next two whitening methods are offered at the practice.

Whitening kits

The at-home whitening kits, also known as tray whitening, consist of a take-home whitening procedure that is entirely supervised by your dentist. Our practice will gather your teeth impressions to make a custom mouth guard or tray which will contain the whitening agents needed for the whitening process. The mouth guards can be worn while you are sleeping or awake; they are incredibly lightweight and will not interrupt your day to day actives. So you will be able to whiten your smile while you work, talk, and even exercise!

This method generally takes three to six weeks to complete. You will see a more gradual and controlled change to the color of your teeth with this method.

In-office teeth whitening

This whitening procedure is usually the fastest option available. This procedure is completed by your dentist while in the office, and can often be completed in one sitting. Although the process takes a fraction of the time compared to other methods, it is still completely safe and very effective. Most people do not have to come back for touch ups until sometime between the 8-12 month timeframe.

Many people choose this option over the others because it takes significantly less time to complete and lasts much longer than the other whitening options.

Can I afford to have my teeth whitened?

The simple answer is yes!

It is true, dental care can be expensive, but don’t forget that neglecting your teeth will be more costly in the long run. 

Our practice accepts at least nine different insurance types that will cover or assist in covering most services.

Are you without insurance?

No worries – our practice also offers options for families and individuals without insurance — it is called the “In-House Dental Savings Plan.” For a monthly fee, you receive bi-annual cleanings, doctor exams, and x-rays. On top of that, any treatment, including cosmetic services receive a 15% discount! 

So look no further and wait no more; stop by for a consultation and be on your way to a more confident and radiant smile this summer, without breaking the bank! Call Lifetime Dental Health today at (614) 321-1895. 

Happy heart, healthy body, and a bright white smile– that’s everyone’s dream. The bright smile that comes with white teeth is a gateway to confidence. Amidst all the brighter teeth and bright smiles are some who only dream about it. Teeth discoloration is as common as it is unwanted.

What is Teeth Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration in plain language is the yellow color of teeth. Normal translucency, color, and the opacity of the teeth are affected, and results in dull, discolored, and patchy yellowing of teeth often occur in many people. Tooth discoloration looks bad and at times gives a negative impression. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when seeing discolored teeth is that you don’t brush your teeth regularly.

What is the normal tooth color?

Normal tooth color depends mainly upon age, race, oral hygiene routine and diet. It also depends upon the anatomy of teeth. Three layers of teeth called enamel, dentin, and dental pulp contribute to the final color of teeth. The enamel is the outermost layer of teeth covering the inner dentin. Dentin is again a covering around the central pulp which is pinkish due to its vascularity.

Media has, however, defined the normal color of healthy teeth as pure white. Pure white shining teeth shown in the Television commercials is now the goal of every individual irrespective of the fact that heavy editing might be the reason behind. The degree of white is variable from person to person depending upon the factors listed above.

What are the causes of tooth discoloration?

Most important is the lifestyle and diet. Drinking too much coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking for years puts your teeth prone to discoloration. Similarly, poor oral hygiene is a significant factor and leads to discoloration quickly. Chromogenic bacteria like actinomyces, cardiobacterium, and homophilous also cause extrinsic discoloration of teeth. Certain drugs, for example, tetracycline which is an antibiotic is notorious for tooth discoloration. Genetic disorders and aging are one of the strong reasons as well.

How does smoking cause tooth discoloration?

Smoking is one of the most common factors of tooth discoloration. Caffeine and nicotine tend to stain your teeth and over time, making it almost impossible to keep your teeth from discoloration by merely brushing and cleaning. Tar present in the tobacco makes blackish-brown stains around the teeth neck. Similarly, betel chewing stains the teeth and gives a discolored look.

I suffered from a face trauma some time back. Can I develop discolored teeth?

Trauma may or may not result in tooth discoloration. Immediate reddish discoloration after dental injuries is quite common due to excessive blood supply at the roots of teeth. But, if the pulp necrosis occurs as a result of severe trauma, your teeth may show discoloration after a longer period. Association of tooth discoloration, however, is not always associated with dental trauma.

Tooth discoloration is reversible or not?

Tooth discoloration is reversible or not is dependent on the cause of discoloration. Most of the extrinsic discoloration is reversible especially by reversing the cause of yellowing. It also depends upon the duration of discolorations. Some of the discolorations are too old and stubborn and need special teeth whitening techniques to cure. Some of the examples of reversible tooth discoloration are bacterial infections, recently adopted smoking habits, and avoiding topical medications which cause yellowing of teeth, for example, chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride. Lifetime Dental can solve all your problems related to tooth discoloration.

What is tooth whitening?

The process of whitening of discolored teeth is called teeth whitening. It is a very popular phenomenon nowadays, and some people try to get their teeth whitening done professionally to give them a confident smile. A professional teeth whitening is a more effective and more reliable way because dentists tend to perform the procedures which are suitable in the long term.

What are the methods of tooth whitening?

You can whiten your teeth at home using some over the counter treatment kits. Dentists offer professional teeth whitening by scaling and polishing your teeth and advise for a healthy lifestyle, eating habits and good oral hygiene routine later on.

What are other options for teeth whitening other than scaling and polishing?

Apart from the usual scaling and polishing of teeth, dental clinics offer other procedures as well that are more effective and have long-lasting results. Some of the other techniques used for teeth whitening are dental crowns, porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, and power bleaching. Lifetime Dental can provide you with all the information you need to know more about teeth whitening techniques.

How can I prevent tooth discoloration?

Prevention of teeth discoloration begins very early in life. Parents have a vital role to play in this regard. Developing a healthy oral hygiene routine in the early years of life is the most effective way of preventing teeth from getting discolored. Such individuals tend to keep brushing and cleaning their teeth regularly for the rest of their lives and their teeth appear to stay brighter for longer durations later in life.

A healthy diet and lifestyle is another very important way to prevent teeth discoloration. Having more berries is known to cause brighter teeth with a course of time. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is one good way to prevent your teeth from getting yellow or grey discoloration and at the same time avoiding many other health issues.

Have more queries on Teeth Discoloration? We are just a call away!