Just as our faces age and change over time, the same aging process occurs with teeth. Years of drinking coffee and soda and eating colorful (and often healthy!) foods can cast a yellow or brown shadow on teeth, making them appear aged. Professional teeth whitening in Lansing, IL can brighten your smile and turn back the clock.
Some common teeth staining culprits include:
- Berries and cherries
- Spices such as curry or chili
- Soda, tea, coffee, and energy drinks
- Red wine
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Dark greens such as spinach or kale
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings all help keep stains away, but teeth have microscopic pores that absorb colorful foods and beverages over the years despite best efforts.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may provide some benefit but are often unpredictable and do not result in the dramatic improvement that patients desire.
At Pallotto Dental Care, we offer professional teeth whitening that penetrates the pores in teeth and bleaches away stains that lead to discoloration.
Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening In Lansing
Many companies make promises when it comes to whitening teeth, but patients will always have superior results when whitening under the supervision of an experienced dentist.
Our teeth whitening system includes custom trays that are designed to prevent leakage of whitening gel onto delicate gum tissue and keep the bleaching agent in contact with teeth surfaces, resulting in a better outcome.
Only dentists can sell the highest strength whitening gel and provide support when it comes to avoiding sensitivity, which is common with over-the-counter options.
Dr. Josephine Pallotto and Dr. Anthony Pallotto offer experienced advice and customized options that result in up to an eight shade improvement, depending on the level of staining.
How To Use Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays
Teeth whitening works best right after a professional dental cleaning. This allows whitening gel to come into direct contact with teeth and also removes any surface stains before beginning.
After taking a before-and-after shade to measure results, we provide enough professional-strength whitening gel to complete the initial treatment. Use only a small dot of gel per tooth to minimize excess. Wear the custom trays for one to two hours per day to achieve the best results.
If sensitivity does occur, consider taking a day off in between treatments. We also offer fluoride varnish and other desensitizing options for patients who experience sensitivity or suffer from gum recession to provide greater comfort. Any sensitivity is temporary.
Retain the custom whitening trays after treatment for touch-ups. Many patients choose to spruce up their teeth every six months to a year depending on their diet and lifestyle habits.
Whiten Your Teeth At Home
You take your bleaching tray and prescription-strength gel home to whiten your teeth on your own time. A member of our team provides instructions, including how often to whiten and for how long. You can whiten while you catch up on your favorite television show or while reading a good book.
Once you have whitened your teeth with one of our systems, you will want to keep them white. Because you have your tray and gel at home, you can do touch ups whenever you like!
Our dentist does not recommend over-the-counter whitening systems because the chemicals can be abrasive, harmful to enamel, and cause tooth sensitivity. When whitening your teeth for a big event, it is always better to do so under the supervision of your dentist.
How Do Teeth Whitening Gels Work?
Teeth whitening gel works through a chemical reaction that targets and eliminates stains on your teeth. The active ingredient, often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, breaks down when applied to your teeth. This process releases oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin, effectively lifting and dissolving stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking.
The application of teeth whitening gel varies depending on whether it’s a professional treatment or an over-the-counter product. Professional treatments usually involve custom-fitted trays that ensure the gel is evenly distributed across your teeth, providing more consistent results. Over-the-counter options may come in strips, pens, or trays, but often with lower peroxide concentrations.
For the best results and safety, consulting a professional dentist is crucial. Our office provides expert treatments tailored to your needs. Call us to schedule an appointment and learn more about our teeth whitening services.
How To Whiten Teeth Overnight
Achieving a brighter smile overnight is possible with specialized whitening products designed for fast results. Overnight whitening strips or trays containing higher peroxide concentrations can effectively work while you sleep. These products allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the enamel, breaking down even the toughest stains.
Beyond strips and trays, overnight whitening solutions also include gels and pens that you apply directly to your teeth before bed. These methods can be particularly effective for addressing specific areas of discoloration. However, the degree of whitening success depends on the initial shade of your teeth and the types of stains present.
While these at-home whitening options can deliver noticeable results, they are most effective and safest when used under the supervision of a professional dentist. In Lansing, IL our dental office provides expert guidance and advanced whitening treatments tailored to your needs. Visit us to explore the best whitening options with our experienced team.
FAQs
Unfortunately, many of our favorite foods and drinks can negatively affect the appearance of our smiles. Over time, the things we consume each day begin to take their toll on our teeth — leaving once-white smiles looking dull and discolored.
Do you want a smile that is both whiter and brighter? While you cannot totally control the color of your teeth, you can limit your consumption of notorious tooth-staining choices such as coffee and beets.
Other foods and drinks that are especially known to discolor teeth include:
- Red wine
- Tomatoes and tomato byproducts like pasta sauce
- Berries and cherries
- Soy sauce
- Energy drinks and dark sodas
- Popsicles
- Tea
- Citrus fruits
If several items on this list are dietary staples in your home, there is no need to fear. Rather than eliminating these items from your pantry entirely, you can instead practice good hygiene habits to help keep your pearly whites white.
After eating or drinking something stain-inducing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You can also try chewing mainly with your back teeth or using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages. Some tooth discoloration over time is normal, but you can reduce the effects of pigmented foods by brushing with a whitening toothpaste and drinking lots of water.
One of the most effective ways to achieve whiter teeth, including the elimination of yellow and brown stains, is through professional teeth cleaning.
In our dental office, we take an impression of our mouth and use the print to create a custom bleaching tray just for you. Professional teeth whitening is superior to store-bought options because it allows for more even bleaching and helps keep gels and bleaching pastes away from your gums.
