Find the Best Teeth Whitening Treatment for Your Smile

Our teeth tell the story of our lives. They bear witness to our daily habits and routines, from the energizing cups of coffee that help us power through busy workdays to the relaxing glasses of wine that signal the end of a long day. Though incredibly strong, our teeth are not immune to the impact of these activities. As we enjoy our favorite beverages and foods, we might notice our teeth gradually changing color. These indulgences leave their mark, causing our once-bright smiles to lose some of their luster. Fortunately, there are various treatments to erase and shield these stains. But how do you know which teeth whitening treatment is best? With multiple options available, Dr. Vahid Bashi can address your concerns and revive your smile’s lost sparkle.

Teeth Whitening Treatment vs. Over-the-Counter: Which Is Best?

Have you seen those “tissue test” commercials? They often depict someone holding a white tissue next to their teeth to highlight discoloration, usually promoting over-the-counter treatments like whitening strips and toothpaste. But do these products actually work?

Over-the-counter whitening products typically contain lower concentrations of active whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While these commercials can be convincing, the lower concentrations in over-the-counter products mean they are less effective at truly whitening teeth. Professional treatments, on the other hand, use higher concentrations of these whitening agents, providing more dramatic and quicker results. Additionally, professional treatments are customized to your specific needs and supervised by a dental professional like Dr. Bashi, ensuring effectiveness and safety. While over-the-counter products might offer some improvement, they often fall short of the results you can achieve with professional treatments.

The Best Way to Treat Discoloration: Professional Teeth Whitening

Tooth discoloration can happen for many reasons. But did you know it can happen outside and inside the tooth? Extrinsic discoloration occurs when stain particles from food, drinks, or tobacco build up on the tooth’s surface. Common causes include pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, and tomato-based sauces.

Over time, tooth enamel absorbs pigments from foods and beverages, leading to noticeable discoloration. The porous nature of enamel allows these pigments to settle and accumulate, creating stains. Regular exposure to these staining agents intensifies the discoloration. Professional teeth whitening uses high-concentration bleaching agents that work faster and more effectively, providing noticeable results in a shorter time.

What can you expect from your whitening treatment at Best Care Dental? This personalized whitening process involves two visits. During the first appointment, Dr. Bashi will take impressions of your teeth to ensure the trays fit perfectly. During the second appointment, we will provide custom-fitted trays and a professional whitening kit. We will also provide instructions on using the gel solution with the trays. You will wear the trays for about 30 minutes each day. Generally, you’ll achieve your preferred shade of whiteness within one to two weeks.

Internal Discoloration: When Tooth Whitening Isn’t Enough

Intrinsic discoloration occurs when the tooth’s inner structure, called the dentin, becomes discolored. Unlike surface stains, intrinsic stains are more challenging to treat because they affect the tooth from within—this type of discoloration results from factors impacting the tooth’s internal structure. Trauma to the tooth can cause intrinsic stains, changing its color from the inside. Tetracycline antibiotics can also lead to intrinsic staining, particularly during tooth development.

While professional teeth whitening is highly effective for extrinsic stains, it doesn’t always work for intrinsic discoloration. The bleaching agents in whitening treatments target surface stains and are less effective at penetrating the tooth’s inner layers. Dr. Bashi may recommend alternative treatments for intrinsic discoloration, such as dental veneers or dental bonding.

Veneers and dental bonding provide effective solutions for intrinsic discoloration, as they mask the discoloration and other imperfections on the teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells covering the tooth’s front surface, shielding discoloration, and other imperfections. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected teeth, which Dr. Bashi shapes and polishes to match the rest of your smile. Both options provide a natural-looking solution.

Brighten Your Smile With Dr. Bashi

Your teeth tell your life story, and they deserve the best care. If you’re ready to restore the brilliance of your smile, Dr. Bashi is here to help. Whether you need professional whitening for surface stains or alternative treatments like veneers or dental bonding for deeper discoloration, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Don’t let discoloration dim your confidence. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bashi at Best Care Dental today and discover the most effective solutions for a brighter, more radiant smile.