Tooth discoloration occurs for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Food and drinks: Items like coffee, tea, red wine, and certain berries contain pigments that cling to the surface of your tooth enamel, leading to stains over time.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco introduces chemicals like nicotine and tar, which are notorious for staining teeth a yellow or brownish color.
• Aging: As you age, the outer layer of your tooth enamel becomes thinner, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. This natural process causes teeth to appear darker.
• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque, food particles, and bacteria to accumulate, contributing to tooth stains and discoloration.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics (like tetracycline) or antihistamines, can cause intrinsic tooth discoloration, where the stain forms inside the tooth.

By understanding these causes, you can take preventive measures and opt for teeth whitening treatments to restore your smile.

Teeth whitening is considered safe when performed by a dentist or when using products provided by a dental professional. Here's why:

• Supervised treatments: Professional whitening is monitored, ensuring that the concentration of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is appropriate for your needs and does not harm your tooth enamel or gums.
• Customized care: Dentists take precautions to protect your soft tissues, such as applying barriers or gels to shield your gums from the whitening solution, reducing the risk of irritation.
• Lower risk of sensitivity: Many patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments. Dentists can adjust the treatment to minimize this, including using desensitizing agents or reducing the strength of the whitening solution.

If you experience any post-whitening sensitivity, it typically subsides within a few days.

The longevity of teeth whitening results depends on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. On average, results can last between six months to two years. Factors that influence how long the results last include:

• Diet: If you frequently consume staining foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-colored sauces, your teeth may begin to discolor more quickly.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause stains to reappear faster.
• Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, helps preserve the whiteness of your teeth for longer periods.
• Touch-up treatments: Your dentist may recommend periodic touch-ups, either with take-home whitening kits or in-office treatments, to keep your smile bright.

Following a good oral care routine and avoiding common staining substances can help prolong the effects of your whitening treatment.

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening, especially for patients with pre-existing sensitivity. Here's why it happens and how you can manage it:

• Hydrogen peroxide: Whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide penetrate the enamel to reach the dentin, where stains are broken down. This process can temporarily expose the nerves in the tooth, leading to heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
• Management: If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can adjust the concentration of the whitening gel or shorten the treatment time to minimize discomfort. Using desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments before and after whitening can also help reduce sensitivity.
• Temporary effect: The good news is that sensitivity from teeth whitening is usually temporary and subsides within a few days.

If you're prone to sensitivity, consult with your dentist about options for teeth whitening that minimize discomfort while still achieving excellent results.

There are several key differences between professional whitening treatments and over-the-counter products:

• Stronger whitening agents: Professional whitening treatments use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which provide faster and more noticeable results compared to the weaker formulas in store-bought whitening kits.
• Custom trays: Take-home kits from your dentist come with custom-fitted trays, which ensure the even application of the whitening gel and prevent the gel from coming into contact with your gums, reducing the risk of irritation.
• Monitoring and safety: During in-office whitening treatments, your dentist monitors the entire process to ensure the safety of your tooth enamel and gums. This level of care isn’t available with over-the-counter products, which can lead to uneven results or increased sensitivity.
• Longer-lasting results: Professional teeth whitening provides longer-lasting effects compared to store-bought products, as the concentration of the whitening agents is more effective.

If you're looking for significant, fast, and safe whitening results, professional treatment is the better choice.

The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the type of treatment:

• In-office whitening: This typically costs between $300 to $600 per session, depending on the whitening system used and the extent of the discoloration.
• Take-home whitening kits: Custom take-home kits from your dentist range from $150 to $400 and offer a convenient option for whitening at home over a period of several days or weeks.

Many patients find the investment in professional teeth whitening worthwhile due to the superior results, customization, and safety offered by a dentist-supervised treatment.

Yes, you can still whiten your teeth if you have sensitivity, but you will need a specialized approach. Here’s how dentists can help:

• Desensitizing treatments: Your dentist can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments that strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity before and after whitening.
• Gentler whitening options: Dentists offer whitening treatments with lower concentrations of bleaching agents, which are effective but gentler on sensitive teeth. These treatments are often applied over a longer period to achieve gradual results without causing discomfort.
• Shorter treatment times: Your dentist may shorten the duration of your whitening sessions to reduce exposure to the whitening agents and minimize the risk of sensitivity.

If you’re concerned about sensitivity, speak with your dentist about whitening options that are designed to be comfortable for those with sensitive teeth.

To keep your teeth looking white after your treatment, follow these tips:

• Brush and floss regularly: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent plaque buildup and remove surface stains. Use a whitening toothpaste to help preserve the results.
• Avoid staining foods and drinks: Minimize your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and other staining substances. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward to reduce their impact.
• Use a straw: When drinking beverages like coffee or tea, use a straw to limit the liquid's contact with your teeth.
• Quit smoking: Smoking or using other tobacco products can quickly discolor your teeth after whitening.
• Schedule touch-up treatments: Regular touch-ups, either with a take-home kit or in-office treatments, will help maintain the brightness of your smile.

By following these steps, you can prolong the effects of your teeth whitening treatment and enjoy a brighter smile for longer.

In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance. However, if you're unsure about your coverage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider. At Ascend Dentistry, we offer a variety of payment options and financing plans to make tooth whitening treatments more affordable.