If you asked any number of people, a good portion of them would probably agree they’d like their smile to be brighter than it is currently. At Accent Smile Center, we have an excellent way to make this dream a reality. How can teeth whitening brighten and enhance your smile? Let’s take a closer look.
Causes of Discoloration
First and foremost, we want to discuss some of the many culprits behind dark, yellow, or discolored teeth. There are so many external factors that can contribute to the appearance of your teeth color, some of which happen naturally:
- Staining from Food/Drink: Regular consumption of beverages like tea, coffee, or red wine can all cause staining over time. The same goes for foods with dark pigments like berries or curry.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco often results in yellow or brown stains on the teeth from tar and nicotine.
- Natural Aging: As people age, their tooth enamel thins and exposes dentin underneath, which is yellowish. This makes teeth appear darker over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar to build up on teeth, which leads to surface stains, bacteria, and eventual decay.
- Discoloration from Medications/Trauma: Certain medications, like tetracycline antibiotics, or trauma to a tooth can cause intrinsic stains that whitening can help with.
How It Works
At Accent Smile Center, we use GLO teeth whitening, which is a state-of-the-art method for making your smile appear more radiant. This system uses a device that combines heat and LED light to activate a special whitening gel, which breaks down stains quickly. Here are some additional details about how the GLO system works:
- Whitening Gel Application: Your doctor will apply a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to the teeth, which stays strictly within the parameters of each tooth without spreading to the gums. This can help combat potential discomfort.
- Mouthpiece Activation: A universal mouthpiece is placed over your teeth, which applies controlled light and heat to whiten your teeth. These sessions are usually about eight minutes per cycle, with four cycles per session.
- Customizable Options: One of the benefits of this treatment is that we can customize your level of whitening to suit your smile best. The number of cycles we perform will depend on this preference.
- Sensitivity Reduction: Another feature of GLO that sets it apart is that it was created to minimize sensitivity during and after whitening—which makes it uniquely ideal for patients with sensitive teeth.
Enhancing Your Smile
So, what are some of the reasons people opt for teeth whitening? This is a primarily cosmetic procedure, but the effects of it can reach many aspects of a person’s life beyond their smile alone.
- Boosting Confidence: In our practice, we want all of our patients to be more than just satisfied with their teeth. We want you to be thrilled with your smile! A whiter smile can be a tool for enhancing confidence in your appearance that can impact your daily life.
- Reverse Aging Effects: Much like our other restorative and cosmetic procedures, tooth whitening can rejuvenate your smile and create a younger appearance in patients whose teeth have darkened due to aging.
- Special Events: Before weddings or other major events, whitening your smile can be a great way to enhance your appearance in photoshoots.
FAQs
Finally, Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, and Dr. Noble will review some frequently asked questions we hear about teeth whitening at Accent Smile Center. \
Q: Can I just do this at home?
We strongly recommend that you get your teeth whitened in a professional setting like ours, for many reasons. Professional whitening bears more consistent, longer-lasting results, and can be executed with high precision by our doctors.
Q: Does the whitening system work on all teeth?
It works best on natural teeth. If you have crowns, fillings, veneers, or other restorations, they will not shift in color during whitening treatment.
Q: How long do my teeth whitening results last?
This will depend on how well you maintain and clean your teeth, but results can last between six months and two years. You can maintain your brighter smile by avoiding staining drinks, maintaining good oral hygiene, and scheduling regular cleanings.
Shining Bright
Part of what makes our practice so special is that we always approach our treatments one-on-one. Our providers will know you well enough to advise you on the best direction to go in for a brighter smile—but we also welcome questions along the way.
Your smile is as important to us as it is to you. We care deeply about what you think, and it’s why we work so hard to ensure that your smile is the best it can be! Our team can’t wait to welcome you to your nearest office soon in Dickson or Belle Meade.