Do the stains on your teeth make you hesitate to laugh? Is a smile embarrassing because of your discolored teeth? If yes, teeth whitening can help whiten your discolored teeth, which Dr. Steve Kobayashi can do for you in Albany.
Call Dr. Steven Kobayashi today at (510) 962-9530 to schedule an appointment.
How Your Teeth Get Discolored
People assume that their teeth are white, but this is far from the truth. It’s because the tooth enamel exists in various shades. And there is always the chance of tooth enamel changing color, or getting stained because of the following reasons:
• Genetics, where the entire family has a tooth color problem
• Part of the aging process
• Some tiny cracks on the teeth which absorb stains
• Tartar, which affects your tooth color
• Some illness or medications like antibiotics
• Regular tobacco use like smoking cigarettes
• Prolonged contact with stain-causing food and drinks like coffee, cola, red wine and berries
• Your teeth getting too much fluoride during the developing stages
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening effectively lightens your tooth’s natural shade, without removing any of its enamel surfaces. However, you cannot expect a complete color change. You can, at the most, expect the lightening of your existing tooth shade.
The Teeth Whitening Process for Albany Residents
Dr. Steven Kobayashi can help bring back your smile with professional bleaching, the best tooth whitening option.
Dr. Kobayashi will first take a look and decide if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment or not. Don’t expect overnight results because the procedure lasts 3-4 weeks, spanning over 2-3 visits.
The first appointment has Dr. Kobayashi taking your dental impression to make a mouthguard. You then continue the treatment at home.
Put the given whitening gel into the mouthguard and wear it for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. The gel contains the active ingredient hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
It breaks down on contact with your teeth, and the released oxygen gets into and lightens your teeth enamel. You will have to repeat this for 2-4 weeks, to get a smile that’s whiter by 4-8 shades!
Are There Any Side Effects?
Some people may notice their teeth getting sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have some gum discomfort, a sore throat, or see white patches on the gum line.
However, these are all temporary side effects and should disappear within a few days of completing the treatment. However, do consult Dr. Kobayashi if the side effects persist.
When Tooth Whitening May Not Work
Teeth whitening can only lighten your natural teeth color. It will not work on any form of ‘false’ teeth like dentures, veneers, and crowns. You can, however, ask Dr. Kobayashi to clean your stained or discolored dentures.
How Long Will the Teeth Whitening Effects Last?
While teeth whitening effects are supposed to last up to 3 years, it varies between people. It won’t stay for too long if you smoke, or drink or eat staining products.
Dr. Kobayashi also recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, preferably once with a fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend regular dental visits to maintain your teeth and teeth color.
Not Meant For Everyone
Teeth whitening is not meant for everyone, and may not change some stains. It can also be irritating if you have receding gums and can change the color of your fillings and crowns.
Dr. Kobayashi recommends treating any tooth decay or gum disease before whitening it. It’s also better to have an oral exam to find out if tooth whitening is right for you before beginning.
Call our Albany dental office today at (510) 962-9530 to schedule an appointment.
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