More than half of the people you meet for the first time will remember your smile more than anything else – so it makes sense that you should show them a grin that’s worth remembering! If you’re dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, call us today; Dr. Marable can help you figure out the cause of the discoloration and, depending on your case, remove the stains in question with a reliable, efficient KoR teeth whitening in Fort Valley, GA.
Why are My Teeth Discolored?
There are many factors that can end up making your teeth look duller. Here are just some of the more common causes:
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Dark-colored foods and drinks like blueberries and coffee can penetrate your enamel, leaving stains.
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Any kind of tobacco use can eventually cause your teeth to look darker.
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Poor oral hygiene usually means you’re failing to remove the harmful substances that discolor teeth.
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Exposure to certain medications at a young age (such as tetracycline) has a tendency to leave severe stains.
What About Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening?
If you’ve looked for whitening solutions on your own, you’ve probably found plenty of products at the store that promise that they can improve the appearance of your teeth. Unfortunately, the success of over the counter products is usually very limited; they can only remove surface stains and are unable to do anything about discoloration beneath the enamel. Also, without the oversight of a professional, these products might end up damaging your teeth without you realizing it.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
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Thorough Results: Only a professional treatment will remove both extrinsic and intrinsic stains (those that occur on and beneath the surface of the enamel).
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Comfort: The trays used with professional whitening kits have been fabricated so that they fir your mouth perfectly.
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Quick Results: An in-practice whitening can be completed in an hour, and professional at-home whitening kits start showing results after just two weeks.
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Safer Treatment: Professional whitening lowers the risk of tooth sensitivity, and Dr. Marable can take appropriate steps to protect the gums from irritation and damage.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
First of all, you need to bear in mind that whitening works better on some types of discoloration than others. Tetracycline stains, for example, may not be affected by conventional whitening procedures and may need to be addressed via other means. We’ll need to evaluate your teeth carefully before we decide that a whitening procedure is appropriate. It’s also important for us to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy. If you have crowns or fillings, we’ll need to plan the procedure appropriately.
In-Practice Teeth Whitening
At Fantastic Smiles, we can brighten your smile by several shades with a single in-office procedure. Our KoR whitening system uses a special gel that is deeply absorbed into the tooth so as to dissolve the molecules that cause stains. These gels are continuously refrigerated until they arrive at our dental office, so you can be sure they’re fresh by the time they’re applied to your teeth. In-practice whitening treatments are often combined with take-home whitening kits for the best results.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
In addition to the whitening gel, each whitening kit contains special trays that have been manufactured to match the shape of your smile. You’ll fill these trays with the gel for a set amount of time each day. (In many cases, you can wear them while you’re asleep so that you don’t have to worry about using them during the day.) Normally, you should notice a significant difference after two weeks, but some stains require a longer treatment plan.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of KoR whitening are actually permanent since the stains causing the discoloration are actively broken up. That said, it’s still possible for new stains to form on your teeth (and this becomes more likely the more time passes), which is why you’ll need to take the initiative in protecting your smile. Fortunately, this is as simple as performing periodic at-home maintenance and being careful around the foods and beverages that carry a risk of discoloration.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
If used incorrectly, teeth whitening can damage your teeth. That’s why it’s best to stick with the professionals! At Fantastic Smiles, our cosmetic dentist in Fort Valley, Dr. Ulysses L. Marable III, will create a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs and smile goals. Every step of the way, he will ensure that your teeth and gums are in good condition and that your smile reflects it. Simply put, you can trust that your whiter teeth won’t come at the cost of your oral health.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Some patients do experience slight tooth sensitivity following their teeth whitening treatment. However, this is usually short-lived (lasting between 24 and 48 hours), and many patients report not experiencing any sensitivity at all. After all, the whitening agent is custom-made for your unique smile, unlike the one-size-fits-all solutions included in over-the-counter alternatives.
How Can I Maintain My Results from Teeth Whitening?
Once you see your new and improved smile firsthand, you’ll want the results to last for as long as possible – we don’t blame you! Priority number one is to implement a solid at-home oral care regimen, which includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Next, you’ll want to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee and red wine. Forgoing poor oral habits, like smoking, is also recommended. And, of course, visit our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Since professional teeth whitening treatments are personalized to each patient’s unique needs, the price can vary. How severe your dental discoloration is and the type of treatment you choose (in-office vs. take-home) are just two of the factors that can impact the final cost, which is why scheduling an initial consultation is so important. During this visit, Dr. Ulysses L. Marable III can ensure your oral health is in good condition, discuss your treatment options in-depth, answer any questions you have, and provide you with an estimate of the price. That way, you can get accurate information on what the cost will be for transforming your smile specifically.
Ready to schedule your consultation? Couldn’t find the answer you were looking for here? Then get in touch with our team. We can’t wait to help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you deserve!
