Teeth Whitening Specialist

Why are my teeth yellow and discolored?

Teeth naturally turn yellow as you get older. Over the years, the white exterior of your teeth (enamel) chips and wears away due to biting and chewing. This makes the interior of your teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin has a yellow tint.

Other factors contribute to yellow and discolored teeth as well, including:

• Tobacco use
• Drinking beverages with tannins, like coffee and red wine
• Eating foods that stain, like tomatoes or blackberries
• Taking medication with tetracycline

Poor oral hygiene can also play a role. You’re more likely to experience stained or discolored teeth if you fail to brush and floss daily.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry technique that uses medical-grade solutions to whiten and brighten your tooth enamel. 

There are a variety of teeth whitening treatments available but almost all use carbamide peroxide as their main ingredient. Carbamide peroxide is entirely harmless and presents no side-effects. It can brighten your teeth for months at a time.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

At Chauvin Family Dentistry, the team offers several types of teeth whitening, including:

In-office teeth whitening

An in-office teeth whitening session can make your smile up to *eight shades brighter. During your appointment, the team covers your tongue and gums with a protective dam. They then apply a whitening solution to each tooth and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Afterward, the team points a special light at your teeth, triggering a bleaching reaction. The team repeats the same steps several times until you’re satisfied with the results.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home teeth whitening brightens and whitens your teeth over an extended period. 

At the beginning of treatment, the team at Chauvin Family Dentistry gives you whitening trays and a professional-strength whitening gel. 

You squeeze the gel into the trays and wear them for several hours a day for about two weeks. The whitening gel penetrates your enamel and dentin, releasing the stains and brightening your smile.

Is teeth whitening treatment permanent?

The results of teeth whitening treatment aren’t permanent, but they do last for 4-6 months. If you want to extend the results, the team at Chauvin Family Dentistry recommends brushing and flossing daily, avoiding tobacco products, and drinking water instead of coffee or cola. You might also benefit from drinking with a straw.

If you want a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile, request a teeth whitening appointment at Chauvin Family Dentistry. Book a consultation online, or call the nearest office to speak with a caring administrative staff member today.

*Individual results may vary