Sciota, Pennsylvania
At Chestnuthill Dental, we know how much a bright, white smile can improve your self-confidence. Whether you have a big event coming up or you simply want to enhance your smile, your favorite Sciota cosmetic dentist’s office can help!
Why do teeth stain?
Teeth can become stained, dingy or discolored for three reasons:
- External factors — Extrinsic stains are usually caused by dark foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, tea, dark sodas and berries, chocolate and tomato sauces or smoking.
- Intrinsic staining — Fluorosis and certain prescription medications can cause stains on the inside of teeth that cannot be removed by traditional whitening products.
- Age — When tooth enamel thins with age, the inside, yellow layer of the tooth, called dentin, can start to show through.
At-home whitening
The easiest answer to the question of whether you can whiten your teeth at home is: You can try. But unless you’re whitening with our take-home, professional strength whitening agent, you may be disappointed with your results.
Let’s look at three ways people try to whiten their teeth at home:
- Whitening strips and trays
Over-the-counter whitening kits include strips or trays with a peroxide-based gel. While they are affordable and convenient, they don’t offer the same level of precision or effectiveness as professional options. Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits also often leave patients with sensitive teeth, burning gums and inconsistent results.
- Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a good option for maintaining brightness after professional treatments or addressing mild surface stains. These products typically contain gentle abrasives or polishing agents.
- Natural solutions
Some people try DIY methods to whiten teeth, such as baking soda or oil pulling, but these methods may be less effective and could damage your enamel if used incorrectly.
Professional whitening
At Chestnuthill Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that can remove years of staining and lighten teeth by up to 13 shades in a single session without causing tooth or gum sensitivity.
How can I maintain my results?
After whitening your teeth, you’ll of course want to maintain that bright, white smile! Here’s how:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Limit staining foods and beverages.
- Drink staining beverages through a straw.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing items.
- Visit our cosmetic dentist’s office in Sciota regularly for cleanings and touch-ups as needed.
Professional teeth whitening in Sciota, PA
If you’d like to know more about how dental bonding can improve your smile, or if you’re ready to make an appointment, contact Chestnuthill Dental at (570) 865-7929, or reach out to us online today.
