What Causes Our Teeth to Become Discolored?

Many things can cause stains on the surface of the teeth. Discoloration is common for those who smoke or drink coffee or tea daily. Even certain fruits can stain our teeth! The enamel becomes more porous when we age, making these stains more common in older adults. Professional whitening is a great solution for lifting these extrinsic stains.

Can I Whiten My Teeth at Home?

There are dozens of whitening solutions ads assuring us of how easy it is to brighten our smiles at home with over-the-counter solutions. These options are less expensive than a professional whitening treatment, but there are specific risks associated with it to consider.

• At-home kits could potentially damage teeth and gums permanently if misused.

• The effects of at-home whitening kits do not last as long as the professionally applied treatments.

• A dentist cannot actively monitor the process, which can overexpose tender tissues to overly harsh chemicals.

Why You Should Consider Professional Whitening

At-home kits have a carbamide peroxide solution between 10-20%, while the solution we use at our office is typically in the 40% range. The higher concentration offers many longer-lasting effects.

The American Dental Association also states that when at-home kits are not used appropriately, they can cause irreparable damage to the soft and hard tissue of the oral cavity.  While in-office whitening might seem more expensive up front, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that it’s done safely and that the results will last significantly longer than over-the-counter products.