Teeth Whitening Options
You smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Is it as white and bright as you want it to be? Whether you are unhappy with the color of your teeth or would like to explore your teeth whitening options, this article will help you determine if a teeth whitening procedure is right for you.
Teeth Whitening in Parma Heights, Ohio
Reasons You Need Teeth Whitening: Discoloration & Yellowing
While it is true that teeth do naturally yellow with age, it’s more common for teeth begin to show discoloration because of certain habits or health issues. Certain foods, beverages, and tobacco products play a major role in the coloration of your teeth. When you know the causes of tooth discoloration, you can take preventative measures to protect your teeth in the long-run.
The most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
Food and drink
Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine as well as dark, rich-colored foods like blueberries, beets, and tomato sauce can cause discoloration. If your teeth are not cleaned properly after consuming dark colored food and beverages, the pigments can become embedded in the enamel of your teeth, causing long-term discoloration.
Tobacco use
Smoking and chewing tobacco is a common, yet completely preventable cause of tooth discoloration.
Poor dental hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to yellowing of the teeth over time.
Disease
Certain diseases can affect the enamel and dentin and lead to tooth discoloration. Some disease treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy can also cause teeth to stain.
Medications
Antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline have been shown to discolor teeth in children. These drugs can calcify on the teeth while they are being formed under the gums, causing the permanent teeth to grow in with tough-to-treat dark stains. Mouth rinses that contain chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can cause the same issues, as can certain antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and high blood pressure medications.
Aging and genetics
Unfortunately some of us experience more issues with tooth discoloration due to genetic predisposition. If you have parents or grandparents who have experienced increased staining as they’ve aged, odds are you will, too.
While discoloration is a normal side effect of certain habits, illnesses, and aging, it is not a desirable experience. You smile says a lot about you and if it’s not as white as you want it to be, it can make you self-conscious. Fortunately there are now whitening options available to help you restore your teeth to their brightest state!
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Top Teeth Whitening Options to the Rescue!
There are now both in-office and at-home tooth whitening treatments available that can make your teeth anywhere from 6 to 12 shades whiter than they are now. Several over-the-counter options on the market help to whiten your teeth, however you will get the most whitening power from a dentist-supervised treatment.
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In-Office Teeth Whitening Options
The in-office teeth whitening treatments involve the controlled use of carbamindeor hydrogen peroxide to bring your teeth back to their whitest. This is by far the most effective form of treatment, but can be a bit more costly and time-consuming than an at-home whitening treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Options
At-home treatments use a less concentrated form of carbamindeor hydrogen peroxide mixed with glycerin, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, water, and flavoring agents. This option is more affordable and convenient, but might not be as effective as in office options.
Teeth Whitening Services in Parma Heights
Teeth Whitening Services in Parma Heights, Ohio
Dr. Wolnik provides both at-home and in-office teeth whitening procedures, and often will use a combination of both.
Dr. Wolnik’s in-office whitening begins with a two week pre-treatment followed by a 60-90 minute in-office procedure and daily at-home maintenance. This treatment option is prefaced with a thorough cleaning and examination and the filling of any cavities that are found.
Our at-home whitening involves the use of custom-fit whitening trays that are worn 30-45 minutes per day. Which option is right for you will depend on what works best for your budget and your schedule, but please note that if you have significant tooth decay, breakage, or loss, other options might be a better fit for you. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.
About Kenneth J. Wolnik, DDS
After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2002, Dr. Wolnik began his practice with a very specific goal in mind-to provide exceptional oral health care to every patient he sees. For over ten years, Dr. Wolnik has provided cleanings, fillings, accident reconstructions, and complex esthetic rehabilitations with great respect and care.
Contact Us
Address
6363 York Rd, Ste 202
Parma Heights, OH 44130
Phone: (440) 888-5055
Email: [email protected]
You can also submit questions to Dr. Wolnik and his staff at http://www.drwolnik.com/contact.php.
Office Hours
| Monday: | 7:00am – 4:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 8:00am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday: | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Friday: | 7:30am – 1:00pm |
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