Do you have stained or discolored teeth that take away from the brightness of your smile? At Flax Dental in Northern Atlanta, we know how much a bright, white smile can boost your confidence and well-being. Your smile is a big part of who you are, and you deserve the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer professional teeth whitening treatments in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, to help you get that dazzling smile. Teeth whitening is one of the safest and most effective cosmetic dental services we provide at Flax Dental.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
Teeth can become stained for various reasons, affecting their appearance and brightness. Here are some common causes of teeth staining:
- Food and Drinks: Certain foods and beverages can cause stains on teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas contribute to discoloration. Foods like berries and sauces with strong pigments can also leave marks.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to significant staining because the tar and nicotine in tobacco create yellow or brown stains on teeth. Even secondhand smoke can contribute to discoloration over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup. Plaque can harden into tartar, which can make teeth look more yellow. Regular dental cleanings and at-home care can help remove stains and keep your teeth healthy.
- Aging: As people age, the enamel on their teeth can wear down. This exposes the darker layer of the tooth called dentin, making teeth appear yellower. Age-related changes in diet and oral care can also contribute to staining.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can cause teeth to stain as a side effect. For example, tetracycline antibiotics can lead to gray or brown stains if taken during childhood. Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can also affect tooth color.
- Fluorosis: Overexposure to fluoride during childhood can cause fluorosis. This condition may result in white spots or streaks on the teeth. In severe cases, it can lead to brown stains or pitting of the enamel.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening offers more than just a brighter smile. A whiter smile can greatly boost your confidence and self-esteem. This may make you smile more often and feel more comfortable in social and work settings. Studies even show that people with whiter teeth are often seen as younger and more attractive.
A bright smile can also encourage better oral hygiene. When you’re proud of your smile, you’re more likely to brush and floss regularly, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Store-Bought vs. Professional Teeth Whitening in Atlanta, GA
Many patients wonder if store-bought whitening treatments are a better value than professional options. While store-bought options may be convenient, they often contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, which means it may take longer to see results. Some store-bought products can cause sensitivity or uneven results if not used correctly. The whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste can take weeks or months to show results, if any.
Our office uses stronger whitening agents that can give you faster and more noticeable results. The process usually takes about an hour, and you may only need one or two visits to achieve the brightness you want. Professional whitening tends to be more effective for stubborn stains and can lighten teeth by several shades in one visit. We will supervise your whitening treatment to ensure the treatment is safe for your teeth and gums.
Teeth Whitening in Sandy Springs, GA
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to remove tough stains and bring back the natural whiteness of your teeth. Over time, our teeth can lose their color for many reasons. Eating dark foods, drinking coffee or soda, smoking, getting older, or taking certain medications can stain teeth.
However, with professional whitening treatments, a special whitening agent breaks down these stains. This should give you a brighter, more radiant smile in just one visit. For this reason, many patients like to get whitening treatment before big events like weddings, graduations, and birthdays.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Before treatment, we will clean your teeth. Then, we will cover your gums to reduce the risk of gum sensitivity.
During your teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Flax will apply a gel to your teeth. This gel has active ingredients that enter the enamel to break down stains and lighten your teeth. Depending on the treatment you choose, we might use a special light or laser to boost the whitening effect.
We closely monitor your treatment to ensure it’s safe and effective. You can relax in our comfortable dental office while we work to brighten your smile. We will repeat placing the gel, curing it, and then removing the gel several times for effective results. Once you complete treatment, you will notice an instant change in your smile!
Dealing with Sensitivity from Whitening
While teeth whitening is usually safe, some people may feel temporary sensitivity during or after the treatment. This sensitivity is usually mild and goes away in a few days. To reduce discomfort, we suggest using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and avoiding very hot or cold foods and drinks for a short time.
If you have a history of tooth sensitivity, our dental team will adjust your whitening treatment. We might use a gentler solution or shorten the treatment time to help avoid any discomfort.
Your Journey to a Dazzling Smile
With the expert care of Dr. Hugh Flax and our dental team, you can start your journey to reveal a perfectly crafted smile. We offer cosmetic dentistry that meets your unique needs and transforms your smile.
Picture a brighter, more radiant smile that boosts your confidence and charm. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or just want a refreshed look, our teeth whitening treatments can help you achieve amazing results.
Say goodbye to yellow teeth and hello to a bright smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn how our cosmetic treatments can transform your smile. Get ready to shine with a smile that lights up the room!