Do you have dull or stained teeth? Is your chipped or cracked tooth now discolored? Address one or more yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth with our teeth whitening treatments in Sarasota, FL. Whitening treatments are a part of cosmetic dentistry, helping patients enhance their natural smiles. Brightening natural teeth or covering one or more discolored teeth with cosmetic or restorative treatment can create a seamless, healthy look.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are multiple common causes of discolored teeth. The following are the most common causes we see in our office:
- Foods and Beverages: Tea, coffee, berries, wine, and tomato sauces can stain natural teeth. This is because these foods and beverages contain chromogens, which dye the enamel. Even regular brushing and flossing are sometimes not enough to remove staining.
- Tobacco Products: Vaping, smoking, or using other tobacco products easily stains the tooth enamel. Tobacco products contain nicotine, which yellows and darkens teeth. If you struggle with discolored teeth, it is highly recommended that you quit these habits.
- Dental Injuries: A tooth chip, crack, or fracture can expose dentin, the dark underlayer beneath the enamel. Dentin makes teeth appear darker or discolored.
- Medications: Certain types of medications can have tooth discoloration as a side effect. For instance, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics can darken the enamel’s appearance.
Contact our office if you want to address stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth. We will work with you to find the best treatment for your smile.
Teeth Whitening Treatments in Sarasota, FL
We provide in-office and take-home whitening treatment for patients who want to address extrinsic stains. Extrinsic tooth stains are superficial because they stain the outer layer of the enamel. Professional whitening treatment can help remove these stains and create a whiter and brighter tooth enamel.
Zoom QuickPro
Our Philips Zoom QuickPro in-office whitening treatment uses dual varnishes to lift tooth stains. During Zoom QuickPro treatment, we apply a 20 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening varnish evenly over the teeth. We cover patients’ gums before applying the whitening varnish to ensure that it only contacts the tooth’s surface. Once the varnish dries, we apply a sealer layer. This treatment can whiten patients’ teeth by up to 8 shades in just one setting.
Patients should not eat, drink, or smoke for 30 minutes after treatment to ensure the varnish penetrates the enamel. Zoom QuickPro whitening treatment is also available as an add-on for patients if they have just completed a routine dental cleaning.
Opalescence Whitening
We also provide Opalescence PF and Opalescence Go take-home treatments for our patients. Opalescence PF uses custom whitening trays that we create using dental impressions. Once we create the trays and ensure that they fit properly, we will provide you with a whitening gel to apply inside the tooth trays. This whitening gel releases active ingredients like carbamide peroxide in 10, 15, 20, 35, and 45 percent concentrations.
Opalescence Go also uses disposable whitening trays and offers 10 and 15 percent concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. This treatment uses white inner trays and green outer trays. Once you place the trays on the teeth, gently suck air in to stick the inner tray onto the teeth and remove the outer trays.
Patients can wear both Opalescence treatments once a day for ten days or until they receive their desired results. The results show gradually, so once you have reached your desired tooth shade, you can stop at-home treatment.
Cosmetic and Restorative Care
Alternatively, we will recommend porcelain veneers, tooth bonding treatment, and dental crowns for patients with intrinsic tooth stains. Intrinsic staining occurs within a tooth. Tooth damage, medications, and wear can cause intrinsic stains.
Veneers are thin, porcelain ceramic shells that we bond to the front of prepared teeth. We can address many teeth with veneers Dental bonding offers similar treatment in the form of a malleable, tooth-colored material. However, bonding is best for patients with chips, cracks, and damage.
If patients have large areas of damage or wear, we will recommend dental crowns. Crowns fully cover and protect teeth, adding strength to the smile while restoring aesthetics.
Regardless of whether your staining is intrinsic or extrinsic, Dr. Melvin Benson has solutions to restore your teeth and reach the shade you desire. Contact our office today if you are looking to restore your smile or whiten your teeth.
Brighten Your Smile
Do you want to create a brighter, whiter smile? Call Integrated Dental for cosmetic dental care today at 941-270-9755. You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Benson online. If you have any questions about treatment, please let our team know; they will be glad to help.