Teeth Whitening

Why should you use professional teeth whitening?

There is no shortage of teeth whitening products available to you that can enhance your smile. For the best results, however, you should always opt for professional teeth whitening.

• Your dentist will know immediately if something isn’t working as it should be
• You don’t always know which kind of whitening is going to be best for you, but your dentist will
• At-home whitening products don’t provide the same level of whitening agent
• Without a dentist, you could end up experiencing tooth sensitivity and even damage

Always talk to Dr. Gies before pursuing teeth whitening treatment to ensure the best, safest results possible.

Common causes of tooth discoloration

Tooth discoloration is a natural part of aging. However, that is not the only cause of tooth discoloration. Some common reasons that your teeth could be yellow or discolored are:

Aging: As we age, our tooth enamel naturally wears down and reveals the yellow dentin beneath.
Food. Dark pigments can stick to your teeth and cause staining. These include things like red wine, coffee, and dark berries. Additionally, acidic foods and drinks like soda and citrus fruit juice can prematurely wear down your tooth enamel to expose the underlying dentin.

Tobacco use. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can cause tooth discoloration.
Medications. Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration, so always tell Dr. Gies which medications you are taking during your exam, particularly if you are considering teeth whitening.

Dental hygiene. Your dental hygiene habits have a huge impact on the state of your teeth. The better care you take of your teeth on a daily basis, the less likely you are to experience tooth discoloration and decay. This is the best time to remove darker pigments from the foods and drinks you consume to prevent more permanent staining.

Disease and infections. Certain illnesses can impact your enamel and dentin, causing discoloration. Additionally, some treatments for diseases, like chemotherapy and radiation, can contribute to tooth discoloration.

It is important to note that yellowing and discoloration are not necessarily created equally, and that means that certain types of teeth whitening may not work for you. Where you can possibly remove some surface staining with some abrasive treatments, if your enamel is worn down or you have deeper staining like that from smoking, you will need a more heavy-duty in-office whitening treatment. Talk to Dr. Gies about why your teeth may be discolored to determine the best treatment plan for you.

What to expect during your appointment

Before you settle on teeth whitening, Dr. Gies will need to perform a thorough exam of your teeth to make sure that whitening is really the best option for you. After you and Dr. Gies determine that teeth whitening is the right treatment for you, he will begin treatment with either an in-office procedure or by giving you custom whitening trays to take home with you. Our take-home whitening trays provide you optimal results from the comfort of your own home.

Types of teeth whitening available at Gies Family Dental

At Gies Family Dental, we offer two kinds of teeth whitening treatments: in-office whitening and custom take-home trays that will give you the vibrant results you need. We use Opalescence™ Boost™ teeth whitening system to give you the best whitening results while strengthening your enamel. Dr. Gies will work closely with you to determine the best route for you.

How to avoid stains on teeth?

There is a certain amount of yellowing and discoloration that naturally occurs as a part of the aging process. However, there are some things you can do to prevent staining.

• Be mindful of the food you eat.
• Quit smoking.
• Take a look at your medication. Certain medications such as antihistamines, chemotherapy, antibiotics, and blood pressure medications can all contribute to yellowing.
• Schedule regular teeth cleanings. A professional teeth cleaning is one of the best ways to remove plaque and tartar to help keep your teeth healthy and vibrant.

Are you ready for the most beautiful, vibrant smile of your life? Call Gies Family Dental today to schedule your teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Gies, your San Antonio dentist.