What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Almost half of the global population currently has at least one untreated cavity. Are you one of them?

If so, then you may have noticed your tooth starting to change colors. Discolored and stained teeth could be a sign of a bigger dental problem. On top of that, colored teeth drain your confidence, too.

Are you hoping to boost your appearance and health? If so, then you might be considering getting a whitening procedure. Not sure what to expect? Read on to learn everything you need to know about teeth whitening.

When you have a stained tooth, you're ready to get to the root of the issue. That means you'll want to determine what type of tooth stain you have and what caused it. In general, there are three types of tooth stains:

• Extrinsic
• Intrinsic
• Age-related

Extrinsic discoloration is a surface stain. The discoloration happens due to your diet, tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene. You can usually remove surface stains without any major dental work to your tooth.

Intrinsic stains go deeper, though. They happen when stains move into the tooth's enamel. You could suffer this type of stain if you've consumed too much fluoride over the years.

Age-related stains are difficult to prevent. As we get older, our teeth become more yellow due to the two types of staining above.

Here at Signature Smiles, we know that going to the dentist isn't your favorite thing to do. Despite that, we hope to ease your anxiety by letting you know what to expect.



First, we'll deep clean your teeth. Then, we'll apply the whitening. It's as simple as that!

If you'd prefer, we can offer an at-home whitening product.

So, how do you maintain white teeth after your procedure? The best thing you can do is quit smoking. Stop overindulging in teeth-staining drinks like tea and coffee. You also need to stay on top of your brushing and flossing.

So, who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening? You should whiten your teeth if you:

• You're over 16
• You have healthy teeth and gums
• You don't have any implants, crowns, or dental bridges
• Your teeth are not sensitive
• You aren't allergic to whitening agents



Do you suffer from periodontal disease or other oral health issues? If so, then it's best to discuss your situation with a dentist.

If you're worried about costs, at-home treatment might be best. In-office treatment is more expensive. Expect to spend about $500-$1000.

Ready For a Sparkling Smile?

Teeth whitening procedures help you fix discolored and stained teeth. Now that you know all about the procedure and costs, what are you waiting for? Get your sparkling smile (and confidence) back by booking a procedure today.



Are you looking for a dentist who can help you get your smile back? Reach out to us or make an appointment online to learn more about our services.