Teeth Whitening
Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.
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As we get older our teeth get darker. This is partly due to our getting older, but it is also caused by the foods we eat and drink, and by other habits such as smoking. Tea, coffee, blackcurrant juice, red wine and other foods that have strong colours can have an effect on the overall colour of our teeth. Teeth may also darken as a result of some antibiotics.
Some people naturally have a more grey shade of teeth. Other people have white spots on their teeth. This can be caused by early tooth decay, or illness when the tooth was forming.
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth.
‘Calculus' or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the enamel surface or tiny cracks can appear in the teeth which take up stains.
In Office Whitening
In-office bleaching. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires an office visit. Dr. Rodriguez will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
What about over-the-counter home kits?
Home kits are cheaper but they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. So there is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Because tooth whitening is a complicated procedure we advise that you always talk to Dr. Rodriguez before starting the treatment.
Regulations covering home kits vary from country to country. Kits sold in Europe cannot legally contain more than 0.1% peroxide and this is too little to be effective. In other countries where stronger peroxide is allowed, home whitening is more common. But you need to be careful as some kits sold over the internet may contain mild acids and abrasives.
What about whitening toothpastes?
There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth they may be effective at removing staining, helping to restore the natural colour of your teeth. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste may also help the effect to last after your teeth have been professionally whitened.
We recommend that you look for our approved logo on the packaging of oral-care products. This is a guarantee that the claims made about the product have been scientifically and clinically checked by an independent panel of experts.
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202.595.3512
2010 - present
2010 - present
How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?
Many people find that their teeth and gums feel cleaner after they have been whitened. The whitening treatment was first used as a treatment to help heal gums, so this is an added benefit.
You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drink you have that can stain your teeth. Don't forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.
We recommend the following tips to care for your teeth:
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brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
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cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
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visit your Dr. Rodriguez regularly.