Why Teeth Become Discolored
Enamel is porous at a microscopic level, which means colored molecules from foods and drinks can penetrate the surface. Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and cola are obvious culprits, but berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce also contribute to staining. Tobacco use accelerates discoloration significantly, creating stubborn brown or yellow tints.
Age-Related Changes
Enamel naturally thins as you get older, allowing more of the yellowish dentin underneath to show through. The dentin itself also darkens over time. This combination makes teeth appear more yellow or gray even if you avoid staining foods.
Other Causes
Certain medications, particularly tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, can cause intrinsic staining that develops from inside the tooth. Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development sometimes creates white or brown spots. Trauma to a tooth can cause it to darken if the nerve becomes damaged.
Professional vs. Store-Bought Options
Drugstore whitening strips and toothpastes contain much lower concentrations of bleaching agents than professional treatments. They might produce subtle improvements over weeks or months, but the results are limited. The one-size-fits-all trays don’t fit properly, which can lead to uneven whitening or gum irritation from gel seeping out.
Professional teeth whitening in Des Plaines uses stronger formulations that work faster. The dentist supervises the process, monitors your progress, and can adjust treatment if you experience sensitivity. Custom trays fit precisely, keeping the whitening gel exactly where it belongs and preventing waste.
In-Office Whitening Treatment
In-office whitening delivers the most dramatic results in the shortest time. The process takes about an hour and can brighten teeth several shades in a single appointment. The dentist applies a protective barrier to your gums, then coats your teeth with a high-concentration whitening gel.
Some systems use a special light to activate the gel and enhance the bleaching process. You’ll sit comfortably while the gel works, usually through multiple applications during the appointment. Most patients notice significant brightening immediately, with full results developing over the next few days.
This option works well when you need fast results for an upcoming event like a wedding, reunion, or job interview. It’s also ideal if you prefer having the entire treatment completed in one visit rather than managing it at home over several weeks.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Take-home kits offer convenience and control. The dentist creates custom trays based on impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug fit that prevents gel from irritating your gums. You’ll receive professional-strength whitening gel along with instructions for how long to wear the trays each day.
Most people wear the trays for 30 minutes to an hour daily, though some systems work overnight while you sleep. You’ll typically see noticeable improvements within a week, with optimal results appearing after two to three weeks of consistent use.
This method lets you whiten on your own schedule and gives you the flexibility to pause treatment if sensitivity develops. You can also use the trays for touch-ups later when staining starts to reappear.
What to Expect During Treatment
Sensitivity Considerations
Many people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during whitening treatment. This happens because the bleaching agents penetrate enamel and temporarily irritate the nerve. The sensitivity usually feels like a quick, sharp sensation when consuming cold foods or drinks.
Using desensitizing toothpaste for a week before starting treatment can reduce this effect. Taking breaks between whitening sessions also helps. If sensitivity becomes uncomfortable, the dentist can recommend products that minimize discomfort or adjust your treatment protocol.
Realistic Results
Whitening works best on yellow or brown stains caused by food, drinks, and aging. Gray discoloration from medications or internal issues responds less predictably. Restorations like crowns, veneers, and fillings don’t change color with whitening treatments, which might create mismatched shades if you have visible dental work.
The dentist evaluates your specific situation during the initial consultation and sets realistic expectations based on the type of staining you have. Some teeth naturally whiten more dramatically than others.
Maintaining Your Results
Whitening isn’t permanent because the same factors that stained your teeth originally continue affecting them. Most people notice gradual darkening over six months to two years, depending on lifestyle habits. Avoiding or limiting staining foods and drinks extends your results significantly.
Drinking dark beverages through a straw minimizes contact with your front teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming staining foods helps too. Regular brushing and professional cleanings remove surface stains before they settle deeper into enamel.
Touch-up treatments keep your smile bright. If you used take-home trays initially, you already have custom trays and just need to purchase more gel when you notice fading. An occasional whitening session every few months maintains the shade you achieved.
Who Should Consider Whitening
Healthy teeth and gums are essential before starting any whitening treatment. Active cavities need filling first because the whitening gel can penetrate decay and irritate the nerve. Gum disease requires treatment to ensure your gums can tolerate the bleaching agents without increased inflammation.
Whitening works well for most people with extrinsic staining, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Very young patients whose teeth are still developing shouldn’t undergo whitening. Pregnant or nursing women should wait until after this period. People with extremely sensitive teeth might find the process too uncomfortable.
Alternative Solutions
When whitening can’t achieve the results you want, other cosmetic options exist. Veneers cover severe discoloration with thin porcelain shells that completely transform tooth color and shape. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to mask stains on individual teeth. These treatments address issues beyond color, like chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth.
The dentist discusses all available options during your consultation, helping you understand which approach makes sense for your goals and budget.
Stained teeth don’t have to be permanent. Professional whitening provides safe, effective brightening that helps you feel good about your appearance. Contact Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines to explore which teeth whitening option fits your needs and discover how much brighter your smile can become.