Dr. Pamela J. West, Summerlin cosmetic dentist, devotes much time and energy to achieving bright, strong smiles for her patients. An important area of endeavor is tooth color. Your Summerlin dentist suggests ways to treat dull, yellow, stained smiles and to keep teeth bright indefinitely.
Why tooth color changes
The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine says that teeth change color on the outside and on the inside. Extrinsic or surface stains are easier to prevent and eliminate. Darkly pigmented foods and beverages, such as blueberries, cherries, colas and coffee, penetrate tooth enamel. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to treat as they affect deeper layers of tooth structure and come from injury, root canal therapy, drugs such as tetracycline and simple wear and tear related to aging. Many times, the Summerlin dentist recommends porcelain veneers or composite resin bonding to cover marred teeth.
What else can be done
Your Summerlin dentist suggests a thorough oral exam to understand the reasons why your smile is stained. With the correct diagnosis, and with establishing that the teeth are otherwise healthy–free from decay and gum disease–she may recommend a couple of aesthetic dental treatments.
One is Biolase Epic Laser Whitening. A comfortable, one-visit office procedure, laser whitening uses concentrated light beams to lift stains from enamel. Safe and producing no tooth or gum sensitivity, laser whitening brightens teeth up to 4 to 6 shades of color. In about an hour, the patient leaves with a totally rejuvenated look that lasts with good at-home and in-office hygiene.
Another kind of teeth whitening in Summerlin is accomplished in the privacy of the patient’s own home. It’s called Opalite teeth whitening. Using concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel applied in custom-fitted trays, the patient whitens his or her own teeth more gradually but with excellent results. The daily process takes about a week of daily applications.
Keeping teeth white
While over the counter whitening pastes and rinses help keep teeth bright, some lifestyle habits prove best in maintaining white smiles. Dr. West teaches patients to:
- Avoid tobacco use–both smoking and chewing
- Limit staining beverages and foods (and rinsing or brushing if you do consume them)
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day to eliminate plaque that holds stains
- Limiting acidic foods, such as tomatoes, or pairing them with hard cheeses to buffer acid
- Drinking plenty of water daily to wash teeth and stimulate saliva
- Getting semi-annual check-ups and cleanings at Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry
Would you like to know more?
A cosmetic dentistry consult with Dr. Pamela J. West will give you great strategies for a more youthful and attractive smile. Contact Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to set-up an appointment.