Why Teeth Become Discolored
Understanding what causes tooth staining helps you appreciate why professional teeth whitening works so well. Your teeth have porous enamel that absorbs pigments from foods, beverages, and other substances over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are notorious culprits that gradually stain teeth with regular consumption.
Tobacco use accelerates discoloration significantly, whether you smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco products. The tar and nicotine create stubborn yellow and brown stains that penetrate deep into tooth enamel. Even if you quit these habits, the staining often remains without professional treatment.
Certain medications can also darken teeth, particularly antibiotics like tetracycline when taken during childhood tooth development. Aging naturally causes teeth to yellow as the outer enamel layer thins and the darker dentin underneath shows through more prominently. Trauma to a tooth can cause it to darken if the injury damages the internal nerve and blood supply.
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
Walk down any drugstore aisle and you’ll find dozens of whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays promising dramatic results. While these products might provide slight improvement, they can’t compete with professional teeth whitening performed at Regency Family Dental.
The bleaching agents in over-the-counter products are much weaker than what Dr. Borton uses, meaning they can’t penetrate as deeply into tooth enamel. Store-bought whitening strips often don’t fit properly, leading to uneven results and potential gum irritation. The trays that come in generic kits don’t conform to your specific tooth shape, allowing the gel to leak out and reducing effectiveness.
Professional whitening uses prescription-strength bleaching agents that break down stains at the molecular level. Dr. Kyle Borton customizes the treatment to your teeth, ensuring even coverage and consistent results. The controlled environment of a dental office also means safer application with protection for your gums and soft tissues.
In-Office Whitening for Immediate Results
If you want dramatic whitening fast, in-office treatment delivers the most impressive results in the shortest time. This approach is perfect when you have an important event coming up, such as a wedding, job interview, or class reunion, and want your smile to look its absolute best.
The process begins with a thorough cleaning to remove any surface debris that could interfere with the whitening gel. Dr. Borton then applies a protective barrier to your gums and soft tissues, ensuring only your teeth come into contact with the bleaching agent. A powerful whitening gel is carefully painted onto each tooth surface.
Depending on the system used, the gel may be activated with a special light that accelerates the whitening process. You’ll relax comfortably in the chair for approximately an hour while the treatment takes effect. Most patients experience a noticeable lightening of their teeth by several shades in just one appointment.
The results are immediate and impressive. You walk out of our Shelby Township office with a noticeably brighter smile the same day. Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after treatment, but this typically subsides within one to two days.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
For patients who prefer whitening their teeth gradually at home, Dr. Kyle Borton offers custom take-home kits that provide professional-grade results on your own schedule. This option gives you more control over the process and works well if you have a sensitive schedule or simply prefer the convenience of home treatment.
The kit includes custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth. These trays fit snugly and comfortably, ensuring the whitening gel stays in contact with your tooth surfaces evenly. You’ll receive professional-strength bleaching gel along with detailed instructions on how long and how often to wear the trays.
Most patients wear their trays for a specified time each day over the course of two to three weeks. The gradual approach often causes less sensitivity than in-office whitening while still delivering excellent results. You have the flexibility to pause treatment if sensitivity becomes uncomfortable, then resume once it resolves.
Who Can Benefit from Whitening?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums make excellent candidates for teeth whitening. However, the treatment works best on natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings on your front teeth, these restorations won’t respond to whitening agents and may become more noticeable after treatment.
Dr. Kyle Borton evaluates your teeth during a consultation to determine if whitening is right for you. Patients with severe tooth sensitivity, gum disease, or worn enamel may need to address these issues before pursuing whitening treatment.
Brighten Your Smile Today
A whiter smile changes how you look and how you feel about showing off your teeth. Professional teeth whitening at Regency Family Dental delivers safe, effective results that boost your confidence and enhance your appearance. Dr. Borton’s expertise ensures you’ll achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming about.
Ready to transform your smile? Contact our Shelby Township office to schedule a whitening consultation and discover which treatment option is perfect for you. Your brightest smile is waiting.