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If you want a brighter smile, you may be tempted to purchase over-the-counter solutions, such as whitening strips or toothpastes. While these do offer brighter smiles, they don’t offer the same level of whitening as professional options, and they may cause tooth sensitivity. To provide whiter smiles for our Kansas City, MO, patients, we may prescribe our professional teeth whitening system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Question: Why do our teeth become stained?

Answer: Multiple factors could lead to stains forming on the surface of our teeth. For example, when we consume sugary foods and drinks, this promotes plaque buildup. Along with increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, plaque also causes discoloration to appear. Beverages with dark pigments, such as soda, tea, red wine, and coffee, also lead to stains. Smoking and tobacco use has been linked to discoloration, as well as an increased risk of cancer.

Question: Will your at-home system help?

Answer: Our at-home system is designed to address both minor and severe staining, while also limiting the risk of tooth sensitivity. Treatment involves first creating a custom-made set of trays and then prescribing a powerful bleaching gel. At home, patients fill the trays with gel and wear them for about 30 to 45 minutes each day. The trays spread the gel evenly over your smile, and the gel begins to break up stains. Treatment takes about a week to ten days to complete. For some, smiles could be brightened by multiple shades.

Question: What if I have permanent dental discoloration?

Answer: While most stains occur on the surface of the teeth, some form below the outer enamel. Known as intrinsic discoloration, these can be difficult to remove and may be caused by injury to the teeth, fluorosis, or even tetracycline use a young age. Instead of removing them, we may mask them using bonding, veneers, or a combination of these cosmetic options.

Question: How do I make my results last?

Answer: First, try to drink more water and eat a healthier diet, which limits the amount of plaque that accumulates on your smile. You also need to brush and floss before going to bed, which helps keep your smile bright. Be sure to have your teeth cleaned every six months, and also remember that you can use any leftover gel and the trays for touch-ups as stains develop down the road. If you have any questions about our cosmetic treatment options, then contact our team today.

Do You Want a Brighter Smile?

We want to help our patients enjoy healthier and brighter smiles with our cosmetic treatment options. To learn more about our teeth whitening solutions, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.