Like many people, you may struggle with dental stains that leave your teeth looking dull and unhealthy. Your tooth discoloration can even affect your general appearance and make you look several years older. Fortunately, teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Dr. Michael Young offers both at-home and in-office whitening options so you can brighten your teeth in the way that is most convenient for you.
Of course, the best way to treat dental stains is to prevent them through regular dental checkups and cleanings. Nonetheless, even with rigorous preventive care, everyone will experience some degree of discoloration from exposure to food and drink and other environmental factors. If you have otherwise good oral health, teeth whitening is ideal for these everyday blemishes. However, if you have very dark internal discoloration or a visible dental filling, you may not be a candidate for teeth whitening. In addition, if you suffer from dental sensitivity, you should bring this up at your consultation, as it may affect your candidacy or the type of whitening that is right for you.
Before undergoing any type of whitening treatment, you should receive a thorough dental cleaning.
If you are looking for effective, affordable whitening on your own schedule, at-home teeth whitening may be the solution. Dr. Young will provide you with a set of comfortable, secure whitening trays. You will fill the trays with a safe peroxide-based solution that will gradually break down stains on the enamel of your teeth. After a treatment protocol of ten to fourteen days, you should enjoy a visibly brighter smile.
You may want to consider in-office teeth whitening if you are looking for immediate, dramatic results. Dr. Young or a member of our staff will apply a stronger peroxide gel to your teeth. Then a special light will activate the gel, accelerating the whitening process. Typically, patients enjoy significant improvement after just one one-hour appointment. If you have more dramatic staining, you may benefit from one or more follow-up treatments.
Regular dental care, including both at-home brushing and flossing and in-office dental cleanings, is the best way to preserve the brighter shade of your grin. You can also protect your smile by avoiding or limiting stain-producing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Acidic foods and drinks can also wear away your enamel and lead to stains, so it is best to enjoy these in moderation. If you do choose to indulge, drinking from a straw may help to avoid discoloration since the liquid will not pass over your teeth.
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to enhance your smile. Learn more about whitening at our Lafayette office and find out which type may be the best option for you. Call us at 337-237-6453 to schedule your consultation.
