Why Teeth Become Discolored
Several factors contribute to the yellowing or staining of teeth. By understanding the causes, you can also help maintain your whitening results longer after treatment.
Food and Drink: Certain foods and beverages contain pigments that gradually darken tooth enamel. Coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas are common culprits. Foods such as blueberries, cherries, and spices like turmeric can also leave stains over time. Daily brushing and flossing help, but stains can penetrate the enamel and require professional whitening to remove.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco are known to cause tough-to-remove stains that make teeth appear yellow or brown.
Ageing: Over the years, enamel thins naturally, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. This is why even individuals with otherwise healthy oral hygiene may experience gradual yellowing.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to thicker enamel, which makes teeth appear whiter, while thinner enamel can give teeth a more yellowish tint, even with good hygiene habits.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens your smile by lightening the colour of the teeth. Whitening agents contain active ingredients, typically hydrogen peroxide, which break down the pigmented molecules within the enamel. This treatment can be performed either in-office for fast results or at home using a customised tray. An initial dental examination is necessary to determine the cause of discoloration and ensure there are no underlying issues like cavities or gum disease. For teeth with stains caused by trauma or root canal treatments, an internal whitening may be used to achieve the best results.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening is safe when conducted by dental professionals using clinically-approved materials. It’s essential to avoid overuse or misapplication of bleaching agents, as this can lead to sensitivity or irritation. Before starting any whitening treatment, our dentists will assess your teeth to ensure you’re a good candidate and to catch any issues that might interfere with the process.
Whitening Options at Alpine Smiles
We offer a variety of options to suit individual needs and preferences, including custom whitening trays for home use, professional in-office whitening, and Vivera Retainers for an all-in-one solution with your Invisalign treatment.
Custom-Made Whitening Trays – 590 CHF (Includes 4x whitening gel syringes)
These custom trays are designed for use at home, allowing for gradual whitening with the convenience of doing it on your own time. These trays are a one-time investment and can be saved for future touch-ups – simply order additional syringes when needed.
Whitening with Vivera Retainers – 890 CHF (Includes 4x whitening gel syringes)
As part of our Invisalign packages, this option provides 3 upper and 3 lower retainers for simultaneous whitening and maintenance of tooth alignment. Using Vivera Retainers for whitening lets you protect your teeth and any existing restorations during the night, as well as prevent any tooth movement after orthodontic treatment. It’s a comprehensive choice that enhances your orthodontic investment with a radiant smile.
In-Office Whitening Treatment
For those looking for instant results, we also offer professional whitening in our clinic. This process, which takes one or two visits, involves a highly concentrated bleaching agent that brightens teeth quickly and effectively. While it uses stronger chemicals than at-home whitening kits, it can yield immediate results and is especially beneficial for those with significant staining. This option is recommended if you’re looking to achieve a whiter smile for a special occasion or if you simply prefer fast, visible results. However, using whitening gel at home in whitening trays or Vivera Retainers typically gives longer lasting results, causes less sensitivity and is a better financial option over time.
The Whitening Process: Step-by-Step
Whether you’re whitening at home or in-office, our process begins with a thorough dental examination. This ensures that teeth whitening will be effective and safe for you. During this exam, we may also clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or tartar that could block the bleaching agent and affect your results. Here’s what to expect:
Preparation and Planning: We’ll discuss your goals and examine the shade of your teeth, creating a tailored whitening plan that suits your preferences.
Custom Whitening Trays: For at-home whitening, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays. Once ready, you’ll receive instructions on applying the whitening gel and using the trays at home.
In-Office Whitening: If you choose in-office whitening, our team will apply a protective barrier over your gums, followed by the whitening gel on the teeth. After about one hour, you’ll leave with a visibly whiter smile.
How White Can You Expect Your Teeth to Get?
Results can vary based on the type of discoloration, your habits, and the natural shade of your teeth. If you have stubborn stains or if your teeth naturally have more of a greyish hue, whitening may take longer to show dramatic results. By choosing a professional whitening service, you’re assured of the best possible results within a safe, controlled environment.
Maintenance After Whitening
A few lifestyle adjustments can help maintain your results for a longer period:
Avoid Foods and Beverages that Stain: Coffee, tea, red wine, and foods like curry and berries can lead to discoloration. Try to limit these or drink through a straw to minimise contact with teeth.
Quit Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco products can rapidly re-stain your teeth.
Routine Checkups and Cleanings: Professional cleanings help to remove surface stains that build up over time. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your oral health and make any adjustments to your whitening plan if needed.
Consider Whitening During Invisalign Treatment
Our Invisalign packages include whitening as an added benefit, letting you simultaneously straighten and brighten your smile. This combination provides a complete aesthetic transformation, maximising your investment and ensuring that your smile shines as brightly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
Some sensitivity is normal, especially if you already experience sensitive teeth. We can recommend fluoride treatments or specialized toothpaste to alleviate any discomfort.
Can I Use Over-the-Counter Whitening Products?
While some over-the-counter products are safe, they often lack the customization and effectiveness of professional options. Improper application can even harm the gums or enamel.
How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
With proper care, whitening results can last up to two years or more. However, habits like smoking, drinking dark beverages, or infrequent dental visits may shorten the lifespan of your results.
Can I whiten if I have fillings, crowns or other dental restorations?
Yes, but the whitening gel only whitens vital tooth structure - not for example composite or porcelain.
At Alpine Smiles, we believe a beautiful smile is the best first impression. Whether you opt for at-home trays, in-office treatment, or whitening through Vivera Retainers, we’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Reach out via our [contact form] for further inquiries.
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