Teeth Whitening

The color of our teeth can be affected by any number of factors. In some cases, it doesn’t take very long to see a difference. For instance, the color of your tooth might change quickly due to blunt trauma. For most people, though, the transition is gradual. A lifetime of colorful foods and beverages, like sodas, red wines, and blueberries, will cause subtle variations for years. The change is so under the radar that most people don’t realize just how discolored their teeth have become. Even people who are extremely careful (e.g., brushing right after coffee) may find themselves thwarted by the standard aging process.

Teeth whitening is a professional dental service designed to remove the layers of stains. If you’re looking for a dentist in Westlake, OH, this treatment can go a long way to give your enamel a makeover. If you’ve recently compared the color of your teeth today to a photograph from 10 or 15 years ago, Walter R. Below, DMD can tell you more about what the service entails and how it’s different from the standard drug store kits you’ve undoubtedly seen on the shelves.

The Basics of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has been a popular choice for many people, and not just because it gives people fewer reasons to hide their grin. However, the more people request the service, the more competitors pop up along the way. Before you reach for peroxide to whiten your teeth or even pick up the ‘best’ brand from the store, you should know more about how stains work and what the real difference is between over-the-counter solutions and professional treatment.

The Difference Between Stains

Most people will have what’s known as external stains, meaning you smoked one too many cigarettes or you heavily favor Cabs over Chardonnays. However, there’s also internal staining, which refers to stains caused by injury or disease. Believe it or not, dentists may have an easier time removing internal stains, as it could be as simple as removing the infection to clear up the tooth.

The good news is that there are a variety of solutions to remove external stains. If you’re looking for teeth whitening services in Westlake, OH, a dentist will be able to schedule a session (most likely several sessions) to help you brighten up your smile. What’s more, they can give you advice about how to curb staining in the future. Brushing, flossing, rinsing: these can all help you avoid the tell-tale signs of anything from tea to soy sauce to curry.

Professional Whitening Services in Westlake

Despite all the solutions out there, it’s important to know the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) and professional whitening treatments. While most products, including the gels and trays, are safe in small doses, there is a chance that you can compromise dental work, like crowns or fillings. Choosing a professional service protects any work you’ve had done, so you can breathe easy about all the time and money you’ve already invested.

In addition, the results of whitening services are undeniably better. A product like a whitening toothpaste can only improve your teeth by a shade or two. If you choose Walter R. Below, DMD, our staff can get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter.