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Can I Get a Brighter Smile Before the New Year? What to Know About Teeth Whitening

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Can I Get a Brighter Smile Before the New Year? What to Know About Teeth Whitening

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The holidays are a time when many people want to look their best. If you’re looking for a brighter smile before the new year, teeth whitening may be the answer. Teeth whitening is a process that can lighten teeth by several shades in as little as one treatment. However, the length of time it takes to achieve optimal results varies from person to person. In this blog post, we will discuss how long teeth whitening takes and what you can do to speed up the process!

What Causes a Dull Smile?

Before we discuss how long teeth whitening takes, it’s important to understand what causes a dull smile. Some of the most common culprits are cigarettes, coffee, tea and red wine stains. In addition, certain medications and aging can also cause discoloration of the teeth.

Types of Teeth Stains

 Dental professionals have identified three main categories of tooth discoloration

  1. Extrinsic Teeth Stains: An extrinsic tooth stain is staining on the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-up in the film of protein that covers the tooth enamel. Extrinsic tooth stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee and tea, wine or cola drinks. This type of tooth stain responds well to regular dental cleaning and brushing the teeth with whitening toothpaste.
  2. Intrinsic Teeth Stains: An intrinsic tooth stain is staining below the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel. Excessive fluoride use has  also been associated with intrinsic fluoride, especially in children. An intrinsic tooth stain is trickier to remove, but it can be done. An intrinsic tooth stain may require bleaching using professional or at-home chemical teeth-whitening products, such as Whitestrips.
  3. Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discoloration. Because the core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, naturally yellows over time, teeth discolor with age. As we age, the enamel that covers the tooth becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. These intrinsic causes of discoloration combined with extrinsic causes such as the effects of certain foods, beverages, and tobacco, will cause most adults’ teeth to discolor with age.

Can I Get a Brighter Smile Before the New Year?

Now that you know what causes a dull smile, it’s time to answer the question – can I get a brighter smile before the new year? The answer is yes! Teeth whitening can help to reduce discoloration and lighten teeth by several shades in as little as one treatment.

What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Your teeth whitening appointment should take about an hour. During your appointment, the dentist will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth and then use a specialized light to activate the gel. This process helps to break down stains on the tooth enamel, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile!

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

The length of time it takes to achieve optimal results from teeth whitening varies from person to person. However, most patients will notice a significant improvement in their smile within one or two treatments.

Tips for Quicker Results

If you’re looking for ways to speed up the process and get quicker results, there are several things you can do. First, be sure to avoid drinks and foods that could potentially stain your teeth in the days leading up to your appointment.

You should also try to maintain a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing regularly. This will help keep your smile bright even after the treatment is complete! Additionally, some dentists recommend using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to help maintain your teeth’s new brightness.

How to Maintain Your Brighter Smile

The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. Once you have achieved a brighter smile, you should follow a few steps to help maintain it. First, continue with your good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing regularly. Additionally, stay away from dark-colored beverages such as coffee or tea as much as possible. You may also want to consider using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Following these steps will help ensure that your brighter smile lasts long after the holidays!

Get a Brighter Smile with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you’re looking to get a brighter smile in time for the New Year, make an appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry. Our experienced dentist and hygienists will create a customized treatment plan that fits your individual needs. Don’t let dull teeth keep you from having the perfect smile this holiday season – contact us today to get started!


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.