Tooth discoloration is one of the most common complaints heard by the cosmetic dentists who offer teeth whitening in Green Bay. In many cases, their patients’ teeth have become discolored through the long term use of tobacco or coffee, while others present with staining as a result of certain medications, genetics or the natural wearing down of the tooth’s enamel, a consequence of age. Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of solutions for tooth discoloration, including teeth whitening in Green Bay.

The procedure is pain-free, non-invasive and inexpensive, making it hugely popular amongst people of all ages.  While laser whitening has hit the market and offers a quick solution for not-so pearly whites, a more popular method to lighten the enamel of the teeth is to purchase a home whitening kit from a pharmacy or cosmetic dentist in Green Bay

Teeth Whitening in Green Bay: The Causes of Tooth Staining

The majority of patients seeking teeth whitening in Green Bay present with discoloration of the tooth enamel as a result of the repeated intake of certain foods or substances, particularly coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. Lesser-known offenders include apples, potatoes, cranberries and cola – all of which can cause the dulling of the teeth’s natural brightness over time. The long-term use of the aforementioned combined with poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque, tartar and consequently, tooth discoloration. There are also a number of diseases and medical treatments, including prescription medications that affect the color of the tooth’s enamel. These include chemotherapy and certain antihistamines and anti-depressants. Environmental factors and trauma also play their part in leaving patients with dull-looking teeth, as can genetics: you either have bright white teeth or you don’t. A tooth whitening in Green Bay is one way to achieve beautiful pearly whites in a matter of weeks!

The Cosmetic Dentist in Green Bay: How Teeth Whitening is Done

The most commonly used method of teeth whitening in Green Bay is with a home whitening system. First, the patient has impressions of one or both arches taken by a cosmetic dentist in Green Bay for the fabrication of the bleaching tray. Second, they place a small amount of a prescribed bleaching agent, or whitening gel, in the transparent tray each night (before bed) before fitting the tray in their mouth. The bleach slowly lightens the color of the teeth enamel each night to produce the desired effect in a matter of days to weeks, depending on frequency of use and the desired level of whiteness.

Home Teeth Whitening in Green Bay: Important Messages

Please note that patients who have had previous restorative work done by a cosmetic dentist need to be careful about receiving teeth whitening in Green Bay. Since the ceramic material used in the fabrication of veneers, crowns or onlays do not respond to the bleaching agent the same way your natural tooth enamel does, the results can be a mouth full of miss-matched teeth!

In many cases, the repeat need for teeth whitening in Green Bay can be avoided simply by taking oral hygiene seriously and by avoiding the various staining medications, food and substances (or at least limiting consumption).  However, it is possible for some patients to require a touch-up every few years or so. In many cases, the same plastic mold can be re-used with the patient only paying for a whitening gel refill.

Some patients experience an increase in tooth sensitivity during the bleaching process, in which case they are advised to take a rest from bleaching for a few days. The special toothpaste that comes with the home bleaching pack should be used to reduce sensitivity when implementing teeth whitening in Green Bay.