Teeth Whitening

Have you noticed a change in the whiteness or brightness of your smile? If so, professional teeth whitening is a great way to give your smile a boost and is among the treatments available from Kristin Nelson, DDS, MDS, of Metropolitan Orthodontics in Fairfax, Virginia. Call today to schedule a visit, or spend a few moments on the online booking page. 

Why have my teeth changed color over time?

Several factors can change the color of your teeth, but the aging process is the most common. That’s because your teeth have only a thin layer of white enamel covering a thicker layer of naturally yellow tissue called dentin.

As the years pass, some of your tooth enamel wears away. That reveals more of the yellow dentin that lies beneath, creating a gradual yellowing effect. That is why kids usually have bright white smiles, while older adults often have visibly yellow teeth. 

Additional factors that can cause tooth discoloration include:

• Tobacco use
• Poor dental hygiene
• Exposure to high levels of fluoride
• Certain medications or treatments
• Traumatic injury
• Eating or drinking things that stain teeth, including berries, coffee, or tea

No matter what caused your teeth to lose some of their brightness, professional teeth whitening can help.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening uses a powerful whitening solution to break apart stains, revealing a whiter, brighter smile. The products used in professional whitening are only available to dental professionals and can damage your teeth and gums if used improperly. 

If you have existing dental decay or gum disease, you may need to address those issues prior to moving forward with professional whitening. On the day of your visit, Dr. Nelson isolates your tongue and other soft tissues before painting the whitening solution on the visible surfaces of your teeth. 

After a short time, she rinses the whitening solution away. Your newly brighter smile is ready to share with the world, and the entire visit usually takes less than an hour. 

How can I extend the results of professional teeth whitening?

Once you see how bright your smile can be, you’ll want to do everything you can to preserve those results. If you’re a smoker, finding a smoking cessation program that works for you will keep your teeth bright and deliver a range of positive health effects. 

Pay close attention to the food and drink choices you make. If you love a cup of coffee or tea, give your mouth a quick rinse after enjoying these beverages to reduce the risk of staining. 

Maintain an optimal dental hygiene routine to prevent plaque and tartar from building up. Dr. Nelson can guide you toward the products and techniques you need to preserve your smile for many years to come. 

When you’re ready to get started, call or click to schedule a visit at Metropolitan Orthodontics today.