Teeth Whitening

Why has my smile dimmed?

Many different things can cause changes in the shade of your smile, but the aging process is a primary factor. That’s because only the outermost layer of your tooth tissue, the enamel, is naturally white in color.

Beneath your enamel lies another layer of hard tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow in color. As the years pass, your enamel slowly thins, revealing more of the yellow dentin beneath.

Additional factors that can cause or contribute to teeth discoloration include:

• Foods and drinks that stain, like coffee, tea, or berries
• Exposure to high levels of fluoride
• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Poor dental hygiene
• Traumatic injury
• Certain medications

If you notice changes in the color of your teeth, professional teeth whitening can help. 

How does teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening offers the chance to brighten your smile quickly and safely. Shara Miller, DDS, offers in-office whitening that uses a powerful solution to blast apart stains. 

Your tongue and other soft tissues are isolated before your dentist paints the whitening solution onto the front areas of your teeth. That solution penetrates into the tiny openings in your tooth enamel to remove stains and boost the wattage of your smile.

Once a few moments pass, your dentist rinses the solution away, and you can see your brighter, whiter smile right away. The entire process takes less than an hour, and there’s no need for advance preparation or downtime after the visit. 

What are some at-home teeth whitening options?

Many people prefer to whiten their teeth at home on a timeline that fits their schedule. Shara Miller, DDS, also offers a tray-based at-home whitening kit. 

You simply place a thin line of professional-strength whitening gel into the custom-fitted trays before placing them over your upper or lower teeth. The trays fit snugly, allowing the whitening gel to maintain contact with your teeth until you remove them and rinse thoroughly. 

At-home whitening allows you to control the brightness of your smile. You can use the remaining whitening gel to give your teeth a brightening boost as needed. 

If you have additional questions about professional teeth whitening, call the office today to schedule a visit, or book online in just a matter of moments.