It can be embarrassing to discover that you have yellow teeth. Even if they are otherwise healthy, the negative social stigma surrounding them might lead to others falsely concluding you do not maintain proper dental hygiene. While there are many at-home tooth whitening options available to you, you should know nothing is as effective as a professional tooth whitening treatment. If you are struggling with stubborn stains and yellowed teeth, please read on, then contact one of our experienced teeth whitening and bleaching dentists located in Basking Ridge and Morristown, NJ to learn what you and your dentist should do about your yellow teeth.
Are your yellow teeth eligible for professional whitening treatment?
The professional teeth whitening process is typically most effective for people with good oral health and yellow teeth stains. With that in mind, if you have any of the following periodontal issues, you may not be eligible for a professional teeth whitening treatment:
- Sore gums
- Receding gum line
- Brown or gray stains
- Crowns
- Caps
- Tooth-colored fillings
What is a professional teeth whitening treatment like?
First, your dentist will use a tooth shade chart to determine the current shade of your teeth. After that, you two will discuss how many shades lighter your smile may become after whitening. Your dentist will then use a pumice tool to polish your tooth and remove any remaining plaque. He or she will then apply a whitening agent, such as a high concentration hydrogen peroxide gel with or without high-intensity light, which will be left on for 15- to 30-minute increments. The entire appointment should take no longer than an hour and a half. So, as you can see, the procedure is relatively quick and completely painless. But for the best results, you will need to follow aftercare instructions.
What should you do after professional teeth whitening?
Obviously, you will want to maintain that bright white color for as long as possible. To that end, you should engage in the following behaviors to prevent future tooth discoloration:
- Using a straw while drinking beverages that could cause stains to form on your teeth
- Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks altogether, such as coffee, wine, tea, berries and tomato sauce
- Quit smoking, because tobacco use is one of the primary causes of tooth discoloration
If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our team today.
Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
