Tooth Whitening FAQ
Smile Makeover Specialist
In Collierville and Memphis, Tennessee
If you would like to contact Dr. Ettienne van Zyl to ask a question or schedule an appointment visit our convenient contact form.
What causes teeth to become discolored?
What are the tooth whitening procedures available?
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
How white can teeth become?
How long my tooth whitening last?
What causes teeth to become discolored?
Aging, staining, genetics, and chemical damage combine to cause tooth enamel to become discolored. The main variable in tooth discoloration is age, and therefore the color of your teeth is one of the main things people use in judging your age. Some of the more common causes of teeth staining are coffee, tea, chocolate, cigarettes, and cola drinks.
There are other factors that can also affect the color of your teeth. One factor is the natural color and thickness of your enamel-some people have whiter and thicker enamel than others. Another factor is disease. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.
What are the tooth whitening procedures available?
There are two basic categories of tooth whitening procedures – in-office and at-home.
In-Office techniques typically take just one office visit, after which there will be a very dramatic, sudden change of color. The procedure typically takes less than two hours.
For maintenance or improvement of deep staining, Dr. van Zyl utilizes a supplementary at-home treatment. For this, Dr. van Zyl will create a custom-fitted tray. A small amount of high-strength bleaching gel – available only through a dentist – is placed in the tray and worn for a brief amount of time during the day. It can be worn at any time or place, and the length of time you wear it depends on the level of whitening you hope to achieve.
At home whitening is a more gradual process than in-office whitening, with results usually finalizing in a few weeks, although it can also be used periodically to maintain the whiteness of your smile. Dr. van Zyl can evaluate your teeth, your goals, and your lifestyle to determine the best course of whitening for you.
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Yes. Professional whitening, done under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist, produces results which are superior to those produced by the various toothpastes, gels, and strips. Whitening toothpastes especially can be detrimental to your dental health, as they often depend partly on the use of highly abrasive compounds to produce their results. This can lead to a thinning of your dental enamel, and eventually to the yellow dentin inside your teeth showing through the thinned enamel.
How white can teeth become?
The whiteness your teeth achieve depends on your teeth themselves. If your enamel is naturally more yellow, or thinner, then your results will not be as white as those achieved by others. In addition, the goal is not simply a blazing white smile, which may look unnatural and fake. The goal of your cosmetic dentist is to achieve a brighter smile without forsaking a natural look, which means that your teeth will not necessarily be uniformly whitened.
How long my tooth whitening last?
Whitening can last a long time if you properly take care of your teeth. If you practice good oral hygiene and limit your intake of staining foods, it can last many years. Although the whitening will not necessarily last as long as it took your teeth to become stained originally, the effects can last many years.
Tooth Whitening is one of the most effective and dramatic cosmetic dental procedures. Dr. van Zyl knows how to diagnose your tooth whitening needs. Together you and Dr. van Zyl can create a whitening regime that will boost your confidence and enhance your life. Contact Dr. van Zyl today for an initial consultation.
