Teeth Whitening Service Anchorage – Alaska Dental Associates
Alaska Dental Associates
2702 Denali St #201
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-2284
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Discolored teeth negatively affect your confidence. We all know the bright, white smile is society’s idea of beauty, too. What you might not know is that sparkling white teeth are not all that natural. Finding an Anchorage dentist who can show you all of the options for teeth whitening is often your best chance of achieving the white smile you have been trying to achieve.
Discoloration Has Many Causes
Anything you put into your mouth could potentially discolor your teeth. Drinking a lot of coffee, for example, causes your teeth to stain, cutting these types of food and drink can halt the discoloration. If you’re a smoker, you’re setting yourself up for a double whammy—smoking discolors your teeth and puts your health at risk.
It’s natural for your teeth to yellow with age, too. Yellowing is due to the enamel thinning and showing more of the dentin layer. Combined with food stains, it’s clear that it’s unnatural to maintain perfectly white teeth as you age.
Other causes of discoloration include trauma and medication. The antihistamine you take could well be part of the problem.
How Does a Teeth Whitening Service Work?
Teeth whitening of any sort means applying a bleaching agent to the enamel. The ingredients react chemically with the stain, reducing the concentration. Your teeth look brighter because there’s less pigment.
Is it Guaranteed?
No, results cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the individual. Teeth bleaching allows you to go a few shades lighter, but it might not remove the stain altogether.
The whitening treatment is also not going to be effective on crowns, veneers, or caps.
Speak to your dentist to find out what you can expect realistically. In theory, repeated applications could remove the stain. The problem is that if you use these products too much, you’ll also damage the enamel of the teeth.
What Options are Available to Me?
There are a few different options here. We recommend seeing our friendly dentist, who will be able to work out a suitable treatment plan for you.
Whitening Toothpaste
It seems insane to pay for a dentist’s visit when you can buy whitening products over the counter. If the stains are still on the surface, these can be effective. For more ingrained stains, however, you’ll need a stronger solution as the home treatments can’t change the color of your teeth.
In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching takes place at the dentist. The bleach that the dentist uses is much stronger than the products available over the counter. For the results you need, it might take one or two visits.
The dentist takes steps to protect the soft tissue in the mouth, too. They’ll use a rubber dam or gel for this purpose. The bleach is applied to the teeth and left to activate for a while.
Once the bleaching process is complete, you’ll rinse your mouth off and be on your way.
A Customized System
Your dentist might also suggest that you try bleaching at home. They’ll create a tray that fits snugly against the teeth. You’ll need to wear it for a certain portion of each day. You’ll also need to apply it scrupulously, carefully following the dentist’s instructions.
What Potential Risks are There?
If your enamel becomes too thin, you may start developing tooth sensitivity. Typically, this disappears after a few days. If you’re using the treatment consistently, however, it could cause further damage to the enamel.
Final Notes
If you feel that your teeth need to be brightened up, it’s best to discuss the options with your dentist. They’ll be able to figure out a treatment schedule that lightens the teeth without damaging them.
For our money, over the counter whiteners are a waste of time. You could spend weeks scrupulously applying the treatment and still end up with stained teeth. If you want it done quickly and safely, see one of our professionals at Alaska Dental Associates.
Let Alaska Dental Associate take care of your teeth whitening services today!
Call (907)562-2284 to schedule an appointment!