Over time, teeth can begin to discolor for multiple reasons. The tooth enamel can wear down, showing the darker dentin underneath the outer tooth layer. Certain foods or beverages can yellow, darken, or discolor teeth. If you have discolored teeth and want to brighten your smile, consider professional teeth whitening. At Monokian Dentistry, we offer teeth whitening services to patients in our Marlton and Haddonfield, NJ offices.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that improves the smile's aesthetics and can also improve patients' oral health. We use Opalescence GO for patients to whiten their smiles at home. This treatment option can provide a convenient treatment method and gradual but brilliant results. Our in-office Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed teeth whitening treatment can whiten teeth up to eight shades.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Options
We offer three treatment options for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, which can be done in our office or in the comfort of their own homes:
In-Office Whitening
Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed in-office teeth whitening treatment can whiten teeth by multiple shades. During Zoom whitening, we first provide patients with glasses to protect their eyes from the LED whitening light. We isolate the teeth and cover the gums to minimize sensitivity. Then, we apply the whitening gel evenly to each tooth. Finally, we apply the whitening light to the teeth to cure the gel, ensuring that the active ingredients penetrate the tooth enamel.
In-office Zoom whitening treatment takes multiple sessions to brighten teeth and can provide immediate results. Results can last 6 to 12 months, and we recommend that patients visit us for touch-ups as needed.
Custom At-Home Whitening
Phillips Zoom DayWhite and NiteWhite systems to provide additional whitening options for most patients, including those with sensitive teeth. Optimal results are typically achieved in about two weeks.
Semi-Custom Take-Home Whitening
Our dental office also provides Opalescence GO, a take-home whitening treatment that uses pre-filled trays to brighten the smile. The UltraFit trays can contain either 10% or 15% hydrogen peroxide. Patients can wear the 10% hydrogen peroxide for 30 to 60 minutes a day or the 15% hydrogen peroxide for 15 to 20 minutes.
The Opalescence GO trays contain a colorful outer tray and a white inner tray. When placing the trays in their mouth, patients should begin on their upper teeth, biting firmly and sucking on the trays for 2 seconds. Then, patients can remove the colored outer tray, repeating this process for the lower teeth.
Treating Intrinsic Stains
Tooth stains may be extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic tooth stains are on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by foods, beverages, and even plaque. Intrinsic stains are within the tooth; dental injuries or years of staining can reach within the tooth.
Sometimes, patients do not react to whitening treatment because they have intrinsic tooth stains. We will often recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers for patients who have intrinsic stains. Dental bonding is best for single teeth, while veneers can address all of the teeth in the smile line. Bonding uses malleable tooth-colored material that we shape onto prepared teeth. Dental veneers are shells that we bond to the front of the enamel.
Teeth Whitening Q&A
Below we will answer popular questions about whitening treatment and causes of discoloration:
What are the most common causes of tooth stains?
The most prevalent causes of discolored, yellowed, or stained teeth include:
- Foods and Drinks: Some foods and beverages contain chromogens, dyes that attach to the enamel. Tomato sauces, coffee, berries, tea, and other foods and drinks can stain teeth.
- Tobacco: Smoking, vaping, and using tobacco products yellows the enamel. Nicotine contained in these products gets trapped in the tooth's pores, creating discolored teeth.
- Medications: Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and other medications can have tooth discoloration as a side effect.
- Injuries: A dental injury can discolor teeth and expose the dentin, a darker layer beneath the tooth enamel.
When will I see teeth whitening results?
Each patient is different, and their teeth will react to hydrogen peroxide differently. However, on average, it can take five to ten days to see results from Opalescence GO. Zoom can offer results right after treatment.
How do I maintain my teeth whitening results?
Brushing and flossing can prevent tooth stains and keep teeth and gums healthy. We also recommend that patients avoid acidic or sugary foods that can easily stain their teeth or create bacterial buildup. Many patients follow a "white diet" following teeth whitening treatment. Eating light-colored foods like tofu, pasta (with white sauce), cauliflower, etc., can keep teeth bright and prevent staining or discoloration.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Do you want a brighter, whiter smile? Contact Monokian Dentistry today. Call our Marlton office at 856.983.9620 or our Haddonfield office at 856.429.0404. Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment options; we are always here to help.