Why did my teeth become discolored?

Your teeth can go from white to discolored or yellow for any of these reasons:

• Drinking coffee, tea, or wine.
• Tobacoo use
• Age
• Trauma
• Medications

What is teeth whitening?

Using a chemical process, your dentist can bleach your teeth in one of two ways. He can do an in-office procedure, or provide you with a system to use at home.

In-Office Whitening

The dentist will apply a protection to your gums then whitening bleach is applied to the teeth. A special light will be used to enhance the action of the whitening agent. In-office whitening can take place in 1-2 hour visits.

At-Home Whitening

Your dentist will create a custom mouth tray that will hold the gel to bleach the tooth enamel. While at home whitening is more convenient, it can take longer depending on the strength of peroxide used.

Are there side effects?

Some people experience tooth sensitivity. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. Overuse of whiteners can damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.

Even after whitening, your teeth can become stained again if you continue exposing them to the same substances that originally stained them. You must keep up with daily oral hygiene to keep your teeth at their whitest.