Teeth Whitening

Dental Implants in St. George, UT

Teeth whitening is a practice of lightening the discoloration of the teeth’s enamel or dentin. Teeth can become darkened as a result of both extrinsic staining–a buildup of surface stains which covers the tooth’s natural color–and intrinsic staining, where the tooth itself becomes discolored from the inside out.

Causes of extrinsic staining include:

Calculus (tartar)

Dental plaque

Tobacco

Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wines, and blueberries

Certain topical medications, such as antiseptic mouthwash

Exposure to metallic compounds like iron, copper, iodine, and nickel

As a result of Bruxism, which is a stress-related condition that causes grinding of the teeth and results in darkened tooth edges.

Dental Implants Treatment FAQ

HOW DOES TEETH WHITENING WORK?

This depends on the individual’s needs and the chosen service. At Plumb Dental, we offer a variety of whitening options, including our in-office bleaching process, Zoom!, which produces an immediate transformation. We also offer take-home kits and other at-home methods, which produce results gradually over time.
Upon examination, Dr. Plumb will help determine which whitening method is best for you. When restoration of natural color is the desired effect, results can oftentimes be achieved without the use of bleach. In these instances, one of our dental professionals will clean, or “scale and polish” the teeth to remove surface stains and tartar, which can include stains caused by coffee, red wine, tobacco, and tea. The use of certain medications, certain diseases, and aging can also contribute to a lackluster smile and may require the use of whitening methods to remove the stains fully.
However, when an individual wishes to whiten their teeth beyond their natural shade or for more severe cases, the use of bleach is required. Bleaching solutions generally contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, although hydrogen peroxide has nearly three times the strength of carbamide peroxide. Both, however, are safe and effective with minimal side effects. These solutions work by bleaching the tooth enamel to change its color. The peroxide oxidizing solutions penetrate the porous or “voided” areas in the structure of the tooth’s enamel and break down stain deposits within the dentin.
Whitening methods can be done in the office or through the use of take-home kits. In the office, we offer laser-accelerated bleaching, which utilizes light energy to expedite the bleaching process, and internal bleaching, which is used to reverse discoloration of the teeth caused by internal staining of the dentin. This method is commonly used in treating patients who have undergone endodontic procedures, such as a root canal.

We offer several take-home bleaching treatment options, which can be applied directly or indirectly to the teeth. These options include the use of bleaching pens, bleaching strips, bleaching gel, and whitening toothpastes. Unlike chairside cleaning and in-office bleaching, which produce immediate results, our at-home kits are designed to brighten and whiten your smile gradually over a few weeks. Although these bleaching techniques take longer to produce noticeable results, they are safe and effective, offering minimal side effects, including increased sensitivity to the teeth and gum irritation.

WHAT IS ZOOM!?

For patients desiring an immediately whiter smile, there is Zoom!. This highly effective and widely popular in-office bleaching process is used by dentists worldwide. During this procedure, the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, which accelerates the whitening process, is used to jump-start the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. While the hydrogen peroxide is being broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, working to bleach the stained surfaces. Despite the obvious change in shade, the tooth’s surface remains unchanged.

Age can cause both extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Fortunately, advances in tooth whitening have made it possible to improve and remove these stains, restoring a brighter and whiter smile.

Whitening processes can be used to both restore natural tooth shade and to whiten beyond the natural tooth shade, depending on the treatment method utilized. There are numerous techniques and approaches to this common dental procedure, most of which are employed in dental offices nationwide today. Dr. Plumb is the dentist that St. George, Utah, patients trust for all their professional dentistry services and teeth whitening needs.

St. George, UT

CALL PLUMB DENTAL TODAY

When done correctly, teeth whitening can be achieved regardless of the severity of the stains. Whether the discoloration is a result of age, disease, eating and drinking habits, or smoking, you can rely on the dentist St. George Utah patients have been trusting with all of their dental and tooth whitening needs to help you achieve your goal for a whiter and healthier smile. Call our office today at 435-375-4881 to schedule an appointment that suits your convenience.