Do you have stained teeth? Are you looking for a dental treatment that can brighten your smile? Transform your smile at your leisure with teeth whitening at our Midland, TX, dental office.
From creamy coffee to delicious berries, many of the finer things in life can leave your teeth looking yellow and dull. Patients initially turn to store-bought whitening kits, but it doesn’t take them long to realize they deliver lackluster results. Fortunately, there’s a way you can effectively transform your smile at your leisure: take-home whitening treatments! Dr. Michael Courter helps countless patients lift stubborn stains with this popular cosmetic dentistry service.
Dr. Michael Courter provides his patients with professional teeth whitening treatment in our North Midland dental office. Professional tooth whitening treatment can brighten tooth enamel by many shades in a single session. Whitening your teeth can create a younger-looking smile and improve your confidence. Keep reading to discover the common causes of tooth discoloration, and how you can brighten your smile at home.
Common Causes of Tooth Stains
Have you noticed your teeth looking yellow or discolored? There are many reasons why teeth can stain or lose their brightness. Understanding the cause of tooth stains can help you make better choices for your smile. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Tobacco Products: Smoking cigarettes, using vapes, or chewing tobacco can stain your teeth. This happens because tobacco contains tar and nicotine. When nicotine mixes with oxygen, it turns yellow and sticks to your teeth, making them look dull and stained over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Surface stains and plaque can build on your teeth if you don’t brush or floss every day. Plaque is a sticky film made by bacteria, and it can make your teeth look yellow or darker. If you don’t clean your teeth well, leftover food and bacteria can also lead to staining.
- Foods and Drinks: Some foods and drinks have strong colors that can stain your teeth. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato sauce. These contain chromogens, colorful compounds that stick to your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. You can drink through a straw or rinse your mouth with water after you eat to help reduce stains, but years of stains can build on your tooth enamel.
- Medications and Health Conditions: Certain medications like antibiotics like tetracycline, allergy medicine (antihistamines), blood pressure medicine, and some mental health drugs can discolor teeth. Some medical conditions can also affect your teeth. For example, people with celiac disease, rickets, calcium deficiencies, or metabolic disorders may develop spots or discoloration on their teeth.
To keep your teeth bright, schedule routine dental appointments, keep up with your oral hygiene routine, avoid tobacco products, and take note of your current medications. If you’re unhappy with your discolored teeth, ask us about your whitening options.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening in Midland, TX
You can look forward to many benefits when whitening your teeth at the dental office. Having white teeth can make you look younger and more attractive. Whiter teeth are a sign of good oral hygiene and can help boost your confidence. But white teeth aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re also an indication of good dental health, which is why you should visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Our dentist can help you achieve the perfect shade of white for your teeth. Dr. Courter also provides advice on how to maintain the results in the long run. Investing in professional teeth whitening comes with a number of other benefits:
- A quick brighter smile.
- Safe and non-invasive dental service.
- Treatment considers improving both your smile and oral health.
- Whitening products are completely customized to significantly reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Effectively lift stubborn stains and discoloration from the comfort of your own home.
Dr. Courter will work with you to find the right treatment option for your needs. He’ll take note of your oral health problems, cosmetic goals, and type of tooth stains. Then he’ll recommend the best teeth whitening treatment that fits your budget and goals.
How Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment Works
Take-home teeth whitening treatments are easy to use and deliver beautiful results. This treatment allows our patients to gradually whiten their smiles in the comfort of their own homes.
First, we confirm that you are a candidate and learn all about your smile goals at your initial consultation. Then we will provide you with custom-fitted trays and a powerful whitening kit. Together, they will deliver dramatic results you just won’t find with diluted, one-size-fits-all alternatives.
Plus, our take-home treatments can remove stains both above and below the surface of your enamel. Resulting in a noticeably whiter smile in just two weeks in many cases!
First, we’ll take dental impressions of your teeth to fabricate custom whitening trays. Once the trays are complete, we provide you with the whitening kit that includes their trays and whitening gel. We will also advise patients on how long they should wear their trays daily.
Other Teeth Whitening Solutions
Not all tooth stains respond to traditional whitening treatments. Deeper stains require different treatments. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both options that can take care of deeply stained teeth.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent restoration that covers the front and sides of your tooth. They consist of thin shells of durable porcelain ceramic. We make the material match the shade of white that you desire for your smile. However, once our dentist applies porcelain veneers to your teeth, you’ll always need them or another treatment to cover your teeth.
Dental bonding is a more economical option. If you aren’t ready for a permanent restoration, then don’t worry because dental bonding is temporary. Bonding material is malleable and easily color-matched to the shade of white that you want.
Dr. Courter molds the bonding material to the shape of your tooth so that it completely hides the stains. After he shows you what it looks like and with your approval, Dr. Courter will harden the material using a special light. Lastly, he polishes your tooth to match the sheen of your natural teeth.
How to Maintain Your Results
Once you see your new and improved smile firsthand, you’ll want the results to last as long as possible! To do so, it is key that you implement the following oral hygiene best practices:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day.
- Treat flossing as important as brushing.
- Prioritize your six-month dental checkups and cleanings.
- Quit poor dental habits, like smoking.
- Limit dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee.
- Keep up with touch-up treatments as needed to prolong your results.
Does it sound like an at-home teeth whitening treatment is the smile-transforming service that you are looking for? Then get in touch with our team today to schedule your initial consultation! We would love to help you make your dream smile a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about whitening teeth? We’re here to help. We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about teeth whitening.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, but you should choose a gentler whitening method. Dentists often recommend lower-concentration whitening gels or desensitizing treatments before whitening. You should also avoid very hot or cold foods after treatment to help reduce sensitivity.
Can teeth whitening remove deep stains?
Yes, professional whitening can remove many deep stains. However, some stains caused by medications or fluorosis may not respond well. Dr. Courter may recommend veneers or bonding for deeper stains. These treatments can cover one or more teeth and can address discoloration in your smile line.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have gum disease or cavities?
No, Dr. Courter will recommend treating gum disease and cavities first before you whiten your teeth. Whitening gels can irritate inflamed gums and worsen sensitivity in decayed teeth. Dr. Courter will review your oral health before he recommends treatment. Once you’re healthy, you can focus on cosmetic care.
What foods and drinks should I avoid after whitening?
You should avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, berries, and tomato sauce for at least 24–48 hours after whitening. These can stain teeth while they are still porous from the treatment. Drinking through a straw and rinsing with water after you eat can help maintain results.
Will teeth whitening work on my crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No, whitening only works on natural teeth. Your crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change color or react to the active ingredients in whitening gels, strips, or trays. We may recommend that you replace old and discolored restorations if they no longer match after whitening. Dr. Courter can discuss your options to achieve a uniform look.
Does teeth whitening remove plaque?
No, whitening your teeth doesn’t remove plaque. Whitening treatments only lighten stains on the enamel but don’t clean the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that needs to be removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. We’ll clean your teeth before whitening to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth for the best results.
Schedule a Whitening Consultation
Call Dr. Courter for comfortable teeth whitening treatments at 432-287-9531. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Courter online. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about your whitening options. We’re happy to help you.