Do you have one or more discolored teeth? Have you always wanted brighter teeth, but other whitening treatments don’t offer the desired results? Try professional whitening treatment. Dr. Jordan Morris offers teeth whitening treatment as a cosmetic dental option for patients in Sahuarita, AZ, to whiten their smiles.
Unlike store-bought whitening kits, professional teeth whitening treatment offers quick results. Because of this, whitening treatment benefits patients attending events like birthday parties, graduations, or weddings.
Why Do Teeth Become Stained?
The many common causes of tooth stains and discoloration include:
- Foods and drinks: Some foods and drinks contain chromogens, dyes that stain the outer tooth enamel. Tannins can also stain teeth over time. Sometimes a good oral hygiene routine isn’t enough to remove stains from daily foods or beverages like coffee or tea. Acidic foods and drinks like soda or citrus fruits can also wear down the tooth enamel.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: If you do not brush or floss enough, you will likely experience plaque and tartar buildup. These areas of bacterial buildup can infect the teeth and gums and discolor teeth. Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, can change the color of teeth.
- Injuries: Hits to the teeth and chips or cracks in the enamel uncover dentin, a dark underlayer beneath the tooth enamel. If dentin shows through the enamel, teeth can appear discolored. If you chip or crack a tooth, it can change color because of damaged blood vessels within it.
- Genetics: Some patients are more likely than others to develop tooth discoloration because of their enamel. Patients with thicker enamel typically have brighter teeth if they do not experience tooth wear or injuries.
- Medications: Some medications, like antihistamines, have tooth discoloration as a side effect. We will ask you about the current medications you take because they can impact your dental treatment.
Zoom Teeth Whitening in Sahuarita, AZ
Before treatment, Dr. Morris will examine your smile to see if whitening is right for you. If you have deep stains, he may recommend veneers or bonding. However, if you have surface stains, Zoom may best fit your needs.
Philips Zoom whitening treatment provides quick, effective treatment for patients with extrinsic tooth stains. To begin whitening treatment, Dr. Morris protects the lips and gums and then cleans the teeth. He places the Zoom whitening gel onto the surface of each tooth and activates it with a special light.
The gel stays on the teeth for 15 minutes. Then, Dr. Morris removes the gel and repeats the process. Overall, Zoom teeth whitening takes about 45 minutes. Zoom whitening can lighten the enamel by multiple shades because of active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that penetrate the enamel and lift stains.
Teeth Whitening Dos and Dont’s
We want your teeth to stay bright for months after your treatment. After you whiten your teeth, avoid the following:
- Some Foods And Drinks: Do not eat or drink foods and beverages that stain teeth. Acidic and sugary foods can also wear down the enamel. Make sure you drink water and use a straw if you drink staining beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Abrasive Materials: Toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like charcoal and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your teeth. Do not brush your teeth too hard, because it can wear down your enamel. Instead, brush gently.
- Tobacco Products: Smoking, vapes, and other tobacco products will stain your teeth. If possible, we recommend that you quit smoking or using tobacco products. You can also reduce their use to stop new tooth stains.
To keep your teeth white, we recommend that you:
- Gently Brush and Floss: You can brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Gently brushing your teeth and gums will also remove harmful bacteria from teeth. You can remove stains from leftover food and drink when you brush and floss twice a day.
- Visit Our Office: Continue to make appointments for dental cleanings and examinations twice a year. Cleanings will help keep your teeth bright. We can also provide whitening touch-ups as needed.
- Use Fluoride: Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel. This natural mineral keeps your teeth strong and prevents tooth wear, which can lead to discolored teeth. At home, you can use fluoride toothpaste. In our office, we offer a varnish that we apply to your teeth after your cleaning.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening treatment and what it can do for your smile in our Sahuarita, AZ dental office:
Can you whiten dental veneers?
While you cannot whiten porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or bonding treatments, these treatments can address deep tooth stains. Patients with intrinsic tooth stains do not benefit from whitening treatments because they have stains within their teeth.
Whitening treatments remove superficial extrinsic stains from the enamel. Please let us know if you have an old or discolored cosmetic treatment or restoration, and we can find a replacement for a brighter smile.
How long does whitening treatment last?
In-office teeth whitening treatments typically last for many months. However, treatment lasts longer if you brush and floss daily. Your results will also last if you avoid tobacco products and foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Properly caring for your smile with a good oral hygiene routine will ensure results last longer.
What is the “white diet” following teeth whitening treatment?
After whitening treatment, patients must avoid staining foods and beverages. Instead, they can consume foods like:
- Fish
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Pasta
- White Cheese
- Pears
- Apples
- Potatoes
- Mushrooms
When you avoid darkly pigmented foods, you can keep your teeth brighter for longer. We also recommend that you avoid acidic or dark foods after teeth whitening treatment.
Brighten Your Smile
Have you tried store-bought whitening products to no avail? Contact Dr. Jordan Morris for teeth whitening treatment in our Sahuarita, AZ, dental office today at 520-412-9162. You can also schedule a dental appointment online to whiten your smile.
If you have questions about whitening, let us know at your next dental visit. We will be glad to help you find the right option to brighten your teeth.