Discolored teeth can make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about your overall appearance, particularly your smile. There are multiple reasons your teeth might get stained or discolored; luckily, the discoloration is a fixable problem. A professional team of orthodontists can  employ Leander teeth whitening techniques to fix your teeth discoloration and improve your smile aesthetic. If you are considering a teeth whitening procedure, here is everything you need to know.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is an effective treatment process that lightens and restores the natural color of your teeth without removing any teeth tissues. The teeth whitening procedure will wholly or partially eliminate the discoloration on your teeth.

This procedure is usually less invasive and affordable than other teeth cosmetic treatments. Also, a teeth whitening procedure is more effective than lightening shades sold over the counter.

What causes stained or discolored teeth?

Teeth discoloration may result from poor hygiene, bad habits, or genetics. Here are a few things to avoid to minimize or reduce your teeth’ discoloration.

• Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Eating certain foods such as berries
• Overly drinking red wine, coffee, or tea
• Using hard drugs, including medically approved medications such as antihistamines, etc.
• Being exposed to solid antibiotics such as tetracycline before the age of eight

Apart from the above-mentioned causes of teeth discoloration, some people are usually genetically predisposed to having internally stained or discolored teeth.

Who is an ideal candidate for a teeth whitening treatment?

Teeth whitening is considered an effective way of boosting your self-esteem and confidence. Whether a teeth whitening procedure is ideal for you depends on several factors. 

Everyone is different, and so are our teeth. Some people have brilliantly-white teeth, while others have discolored teeth. You might need to seek teeth whitening services if you have the following.

• Yellow or brown stained teeth
• Stains that come as a result of food or substances taken
• Less sensitive teeth
• Good oral hygiene

Also, if you are considering having your teeth restored, you might need to seek teeth whitening services before your teeth restoration to complement your teeth with ceramic or porcelain. 

Preparing for your teeth whitening treatment

Before acquiring the teeth whitening treatment, your orthodontist will perform a comprehensive physical exam on your teeth to identify whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your orthodontist will advise you to maintain oral hygiene by brushing or flossing, particularly 30 minutes before the procedure. 

What to expect 

To enhance better results during your teeth whitening procedure, your orthodontist will clean your teeth first to remove plaque or hard tartar. After the dental cleaning, your orthodontist will place gauze in your mouth to keep your teeth dry and avoid the whitening gel contaminating other sensitive parts of your skin, particularly on the lips, gums, or cheeks.

After the procedure, which usually takes an hour or so, your orthodontist will advise you to maintain and commit to good oral hygiene and to avoid foods that might cause discoloration.

Teeth discoloration can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dr. Ryan Pendleton, DDS, is an experienced orthodontist with years of experience caring for patients’ dental needs. If you are considering a teeth whitening treatment, contact Pendleton Orthodontics to discuss your eligibility with him and the following steps to take. Also, you can schedule an online appointment at their offices in Leander, Texas.