Teeth stains can form for a number of reasons. Regardless of their cause, they can make a patient feel uncomfortable with his/her appearance. We have two different options available to help remove stains. Should you try our in-office or the take-home whitening solution? Which is the best choice for brightening your smile?
Factors Behind Discoloration
There are actually two different forms of teeth stain: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic is the most common, forming on the surface of the teeth and often caused by drinks with dark pigments, foods or beverages with a high sugar content, or smoking. Intrinsic actually develop beneath the outer enamel, in the dentin. They can be caused by injury to the tooth, fluorosis, or exposure to tetracycline at a young age. Also known as permanent stains, they can be difficult o remove with traditional teeth whitening solutions.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office procedure is a great way to remove extrinsic discoloration. We place a protective covering over the lips and gums and then apply the bleaching gel to the teeth. We use a curing light to activate the gel and lift stains from the teeth. The entire procedure only takes about one to two hours, offering a smile brightened by multiple shades in some cases.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
The take-home kit addresses extrinsic discoloration and minor intrinsic stains. We will send you home with a set of plastic trays and a bleaching gel. Each day, you will fill the plastic trays with the gel and wear them for the amount of time the dentist prescribes. Typically, the time frame falls between a half hour and 45 minutes. The total treatment period takes a week to ten days and can offer patients a significantly brighter smile. If you have any questions about either of our teeth whitening treatments, then please contact our office today.
DO YOU WANT A BRIGHTER SMILE?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can target the cause of your discoloration and choose the best treatment option for your smile. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
