Some of the most common contributors to staining include:
- Smoking
- Drinking wine or juice
- Drinking coffee or tea
- Drinking dark-colored sodas, energy drinks or artificially colored beverages
- Eating red sauces or curries
- Eating dark-colored fruits, such as raspberries, cherries, blackberries or blueberries
Most of these stains will respond well to topical whitening treatments, which are divided into those you can apply at home and those that are applied in our office. At-home whitening treatments can include over-the-counter products, such as toothpaste, mouthwashes and whitening trays as well as professional whitening trays.
Professional at-home whitening trays contain higher concentrations of the active whitening ingredient, which allows for more dramatic results, and custom-fit trays, which reduces the risk of damage. In-office whitening treatments are professionally applied and are the most efficient option. These procedures are typically completed in about an hour and can lighten teeth up to 10 shades.
No single teeth whitening treatment is right for every patient or every type of stain. Call our office today to learn more about your tooth whitening options or to schedule your appointment with our team.