Teeth Whitening Specialist

Why are my teeth yellow and discolored?

Everyone’s teeth become yellow and stained as part of the natural aging process. As you get older, the white outer layer of your teeth (enamel) experiences wear-and-tear damage, causing it to chip, crack, and flake away. 

Over time, this exposes the inner portion of your teeth (dentin). Dentin is yellow. As your enamel becomes thinner, more dentin shows through.

Other factors also cause yellow and discolored teeth, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Drinking dark-colored beverages
• Eating tomato-based foods

You’re also at risk for yellow teeth if you take a prescription medication that contains tetracycline.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses medical-grade bleaching solutions to eradicate stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. 

There are dozens of teeth-whitening treatments on the market, but most use carbamide peroxide as their main bleaching ingredient. Carbamide peroxide is a harmless chemical in the same family as hydrogen peroxide. It’s safe, effective, and provides natural, long-lasting results. 

Are there different types of teeth whitening?

Dr. Safaie offers two types of teeth whitening treatment, including:

Philips Zoom in-office teeth whitening

Philips Zoom in-office whitening can make your smile up to eight shades whiter in just one hour*. During in-office whitening treatment, Dr. Safaie covers your gums and tongue with a rubber dam and carefully applies a bleaching solution to each tooth. 

Once the solution dries, Dr. Safaie points a special light at your teeth, triggering a chemical bleaching reaction. He repeats this process 3-4imes. 

Philips Zoom at-home teeth whitening

Philips Zoom at-home teeth whitening provides the same great results as in-office whitening. The only difference is that it takes one or two weeks, depending on the concentration of formula and wear time you select. At-home teeth whitening requires you to wear a series of whitening trays. Dr. Safaie tailors a treatment plan designed to your individual needs. 

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Teeth whitening doesn’t provide permanent results, but it can provide results that last  4-6 months. To prevent future stains or discoloration, Dr. Safaie recommends brushing and flossing regularly, visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning, and quitting tobacco use if you smoke. 

If you feel self-conscious about the color or aesthetic appearance of your teeth, request a teeth-whitening appointment at Total Dental Care PC today by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online scheduling tool. 

*Individual results may vary.