Teeth Whitening Provider

Why are my teeth discolored?

Though celebrities would have you believe otherwise, no one has perfectly white teeth. In fact, almost everyone experiences some degree of enamel discoloration. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth, and it may darken or become stained for many reasons, such as:

Genetics

Some people are simply born with darker teeth, or they’re genetically predisposed to develop them through no fault of their own.

Aging

Regardless of dental hygiene, all adults experience some level of tooth yellowing as they age. That happens for a couple reasons. First, as you age, your enamel gradually wears down from use. As it does, it reveals the naturally yellow layer beneath it.

Second, because they’ve lived longer, older adults have simply had more opportunity to gather stains and discolorations on their teeth.

Trauma

In children, tooth trauma, like that sustained after a fall, can disrupt tooth enamel formation and lead to tooth discoloration. 

If an adult sustains a tooth injury, they’re more likely to experience discoloration as a symptom of tooth death. Tooth death starts with tooth discoloration ranging from yellow to black.

Food and drink

Many foods and drinks can stain your teeth. Common examples of such foods and beverages include red wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and some fruits and vegetables.

Tobacco use

The nicotine and tar found in tobacco, whether you smoke it or chew it, stain teeth. 

Poor hygiene

One of the main culprits of tooth staining is poor hygiene. If you don’t regularly brush and floss, plaque has the opportunity to establish itself and damage your teeth. In addition, if you practice poor hygiene, stains from food and drink build up.

Finally, certain diseases, some medications, and an overexposure to fluoride can stain or discolor your teeth.

How does teeth whitening work?

To help you get a pearly smile, Northwoods Dental Group offers Zoom!® in-office professional teeth whitening. Zoom! in-office whitening can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades during just one visit.

When you arrive at the practice for teeth whitening, the team begins by getting you settled in comfortably to an office chair. Next, they apply a protective gel to your gums designed to keep them from getting irritated during treatment.

Afterward, your team gently brushes the Zoom! bleaching gel onto your teeth. Then, they shine a special blue LED light. The LED light enhances the treatment’s efficacy and speeds up the process.

After about an hour, you’re all finished, and you go on your way with visibly brighter teeth.

How long does my teeth whitening results last?

If you treat your teeth well by brushing and flossing twice a day, visiting Northwoods Dental Group twice a year, and avoiding substances that can stain your teeth, you can enjoy your white teeth for quite some time. 

Typically, results last between 12 and 24 months. If you need a touch up, or you want your teeth even brighter, talk to the practice about scheduling another appointment.

You don’t have to accept yellow or stained teeth. If you’re ready to transform your smile, contact Northwoods Dental Group online or over the phone to schedule a teeth whitening session today.