There are many causes for discolored teeth.
Coffee, cola, smoking, aging, and some medications can cause your teeth to become stained. Your dentist can determine the source of your discoloration and recommend the best whitening system for you.
Tooth bleaching is offered for cosmetic purposes. Many individuals who have discolored enamel are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth and go to great lengths to achieve the perfect smile. Tooth bleaching can be a solution. This can be done by a dental professional in the dental office or at home. Any person considering using home bleaching products should seek advice from an oral health professional such as your dental hygienist or dentist. This visit is crucial as home bleaching treatments may not be effective or preferable for every individual. For the best and safest results, the individual should be monitored by an oral health professional throughout either home bleaching or professionally applied treatments.

Different stains require different solutions, therefore it is important to have a consultation with an oral health professional.
A small number of people experience temporary discomfort during the bleaching treatment series, such as gum or tooth sensitivity. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after completion of the treatment. It is important that the manufacturer’s directions are followed precisely. If any side effects are more than mild or persist, contact your oral health professional. Overall, tooth bleaching under professional supervision is an effective method for whitening the teeth.

What is the teeth whitening process?
1. Impressions of your upper and lower teeth are made. From these impressions, the doctor makes custom fitting tooth whitening appliances.
2. You are fitted with the appliances, which are clear and very hard to detect at a distance. You will be given a professional whitening system and personalized instructions on how to use it.
3. To keep your teeth free from tartar and plaque, you and our dental professionals will plan the proper homecare regimen to keep your smile looking good for a lifetime.

Want whiter, brighter teeth?
A great option for you might be a professionally administered tooth whitening system. Patients with natural teeth that are discolored due to age, smoking or other extrinsic staining factors are excellent candidates for tooth whitening. Bleaching does not work as well on teeth that have intrinsic staining, stain from within the tooth. These stains are embedded deep into the dentin (the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel). Intrinsic stained teeth such as those that were injured or as a result of medication ingested while the teeth were forming such as tetracycline or fluoride will generally not give great results as a result of tooth whitening as those teeth that are not affected by medications, but - the teeth may appear to be brighter - these results will vary from patient to patient. Patients with these deep intrinsic stains can have other cosmetic options such as veneers and crowns to help achieve the desired results. The best results are with patients whose teeth are yellow, orange, or light musky brown in coloration. Dramatic results are sometimes seen in some patients in less than 1 hour in a dental office and will depend on the type of material used and the technique that the individual dental office uses.