TEETH WHITENING

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY CAUSES OF TEETH DISCOLORATION?

Teeth begin to lose their original white color for a variety of reasons. Some reasons can be more challenging to prevent, while others are simply a matter of lifestyle changes. Whatever the reason, our laser teeth whitening can provide a solution.

As we age, our teeth naturally darken. It might be due to genetics, eating habits, or poor oral health. Many patients say they feel their teeth have a brown, yellow, green, or gray tint to their teeth as they get older.

The things we eat and drink also have a direct impact on the brightness of our teeth. Many people know that coffee, red wine, and dark sodas can cause staining and discoloration, but some fruits and vegetables can also have the same darkening effect over time.

Smoking and tobacco use are the number one cause of discolored teeth. Not only is it detrimental to your oral health, but smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, for many reasons, please stop for your health!

PREPARING YOUR TEETH FOR WHITENING

First, Dr. Kalasho will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth. Prophylaxis cleanings ensure that all debris, build-up, and plaque on your teeth and in between have been removed. After clearing the build-up in and around your teeth, we will address the teeth themselves.

Next, she will perform a thorough exam of your mouth to look for any issues like decaying teeth, gum disease, or cracks in your teeth. Once this is completed, Dr. Kalasho will take pictures of your teeth so she can measure and compare their color on a shade guide. She uses this as a benchmark to assess which shade of white is right for your smile.

LIGHT-ACCELERATED WHITENING POWER

Dr. Kalasho believes it is essential for patients to understand how laser teeth whitening works and how it differs from other methods of whitening. The more you know about a procedure, the more comfortable you will feel about it.

She uses a light-accelerated bleaching technique, often referred to as power whitening or Zoom whitening. Your mouth is primed with a resin that confines your teeth. The laser and light now target only the surface of your teeth. Dr. Kalasho takes excellent care to ensure that your gums and tissue are not affected by the laser’s light. She also uses a special gel to assist in this process. The specially formulated teeth whitening gel works in tandem with the laser to absorb the light and whiten your teeth.

You may have heard of several teeth whitening technologies on television, magazines, or the internet. The bottom line is the most effective type of light to dramatically whiten teeth is ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet rays use the blue spectrum of light. This wavelength of blue light is the safest and most effective for laser teeth whitening treatments.