Dr. Trevor Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Even with regular brushing and flossing, teeth can still become discolored. This discoloration often occurs because of teas, soda, coffee, tobacco, and other such substances. Dr. Trevor Tsuchikawa of Dr. Trevor Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening services to patients who aren’t happy with the appearance of their smile. To make an appointment with Dr. Trevor, please contact our office in Renton, Washington by calling us or using our convenient online booking tool.
Teeth Whitening Q & A
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure designed to remove stains from your teeth, making them whiter and more appealing. You may request this treatment if you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth.
What Causes Teeth to Be Discolored?
The most common cause of tooth discoloration is consumption of substances that stain the teeth. Examples include tobacco, food colorings, red wine, tea, and coffee. You may also develop tooth discoloration if you take certain medications, have certain diseases, or don’t practice good oral hygiene.
Can Teeth Whitening Fix All Cases of Tooth Discoloration?
If your teeth are discolored because you consumed substances that stained them and/or because of poor oral hygiene, teeth whitening will typically be effective. However, if your teeth became discolored because of a disease or medication, teeth whitening may not be the best choice. Teeth whitening doesn’t usually work on crowns, veneers, or other dental devices.
What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available?
Dr. Trevor Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers two different options to patients who want to whiten their teeth: in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. In-office whitening is quicker and more dramatic, while at-home whitening kits allow you to have more control over the whitening process.
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
During an in-office whitening procedure, Dr. Trevor places a device in your mouth to keep your lips away from your teeth. Next, he applies a whitening agent to your teeth and uses a UV lamp to activate it.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
Take-home whitening kits contain a customized device that you can wear comfortably during whitening treatments. This device holds a whitening agent against your teeth to remove stains. With take-home kits, you’re able to control the level of whitening. However, the process takes longer to complete.
What About Over-The-Counter Whitening Kits?
Many different over-the-counter whitening options are available to remove stains from your teeth. However, professional whitening treatments offer advantages over these options. For example, although the over-the-counter kit will come with a one-size-fits-all tray, the tray included in a professional whitening kit is customized to fit your teeth. In addition, the trays that come with professional kits are reusable, while over-the-counter kits aren’t.