Would you like a whiter, brighter smile? Teeth whitening, one of the dental services offered by your Augusta and Evans, GA, dentists, Dr. Scott Wingard and Dr. Caleb Morris of Summerville Dentistry, will make your smile sparkle.
Teeth whitening erases dental stains
Dental stains are hard to avoid. Every time you eat or drink foods and beverages that contain dark pigments, some of the pigments seep into microscopic pores in your tooth enamel. As the pigments build up over time, your teeth begin to look dull. Unfortunately, toothbrush bristles are much too large to remove the pigments.
Many types of foods and beverages can cause stains. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, cola, sports drinks, candy, ice pops, soy sauce, berries, tomato sauce, fruit juice, and balsamic vinegar.
Your teeth may also become duller due to tobacco stains or the effects of aging.
Teeth whitening removes dark pigments, improving the appearance of your smile. The whitening gel your dentist applies to your teeth during your whitening appointment contains professional-strength hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide, a natural whitener, safely breaks apart and removes the pigments. In-office whitening only takes about an hour and can brighten your teeth by as much as three to eight shades.
How to keep your teeth whiter after teeth whitening
Your whitening results will last two or three years or longer after your whitening treatment at the August or Evans dental office. These tips will help you extend your results:
- Use a straw when drinking dark beverages: Straws keep liquids away from the fronts of teeth where stains are most noticeable.
- Brush after eating: Brushing your teeth immediately after you eat may reduce the number of pigments that find their way into your tooth enamel. Wait at least an hour to brush after consuming soft drinks or anything acidic. Brushing spreads the acids across your teeth, which could increase your risk of tooth decay.
- Ask your dentist for a take-home whitening kit: Your dentist can give you a take-home kit for whitening at home or touching up your results. The kit consists of whitening trays and gel.
Revitalize your smile with teeth whitening! Contact your dentists in Augusta and Evans, GA, Dr. Scott Wingard and Dr. Caleb Morris of Summerville Dentistry, to schedule an appointment. Call (706) 250-2998 for the Evans office or (706) 738-4723 for the Augusta office.