Columbus, GA cosmetic dentist Dr. Albert Caves offers affordable, convenient professional teeth whitening treatments. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments we provide to Columbus, GA. We offer both in-office teeth whitening and at-home bleaching trays to fit your needs, goals, and budget.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Tooth discoloration is a familiar dental concern that can affect anyone. Teeth can lose their natural brightness for many reasons, but not all types of discoloration are the same. There are three main kinds of tooth discoloration: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. Each type has different causes and may require unique treatments to restore your smile.
Extrinsic Discoloration
Extrinsic tooth stains occurs on the surface of the teeth. Stains can build up on your enamel from many things. There are many foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda that lead to this type of stain. Smoking and other forms of tobacco can also lead to noticeable yellow or brown stains. Also, failing to brush your teeth enough can cause yellow teeth.
Intrinsic Discoloration
Intrinsic discoloration is deeper and affects the inner layer of the tooth, called the dentin. This kind of discoloration is often more challenging to treat. Common causes include certain medications like tetracycline, trauma to the tooth, or excessive fluoride use during childhood. Some people may also experience discoloration from health conditions that affect tooth development.
Age-Related Discoloration
As we age, teeth naturally lose their bright, white appearance. This type of discoloration happens because the enamel becomes thinner over time, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through. Years of exposure to stain-causing foods and drinks can also contribute. Older fillings or dental work may also darken, making the teeth appear less bright. Discoloration from natural aging is a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, so it requires personalized treatment.
Teeth Whitening in Columbus, GA
We offer professional teeth bleaching that Dr. Caves administers in the office. We can also provide you with an at-home teeth whitening treatment or a combination of both. Dr. Caves only uses the top professional bleaching brands that minimize patient sensitivity and side effects while producing optimal results.
Professional teeth whitening includes a custom-fit bleaching tray. This customized appliance assures that the bleaching gel will be administered evenly and properly without causing damage to the gums or tooth enamel.
In-Office Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a great way to “jump start” your teeth bleaching efforts. These results are usually delivered in about an hour and will give you a foundation for your at-home efforts. At-home teeth whitening treatment takes place over a number of weeks where the trays are worn either during the day or overnight, depending on the patient, for a set amount of time.
Professional Teeth Whitening Provides Better Results Than Store-Bought Whitening Products
When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get many products that claim to whiten your teeth. However, all the whitening products you can buy in a store will fall short when you compare them to professional teeth whitening. While they may be cheaper, you will likely spend more trying to achieve the same results.
One of the greatest benefits of professional whitening is the strength of the whitening agents used. Dr. Caves is able to use products with higher concentrations of whitening agents. These more potent agents can often deliver faster, more noticeable results in just one visit. In contrast, store-bought kits have weaker formulas, which may take weeks to show minimal improvements.
Dr. Caves is also able to personalize the professional teeth whitening treatment to meet your specific needs. A dentist customizes the treatment to target your unique stains and ensures that the whitening is even across all teeth. Store-bought whitening strips, trays, and toothpaste are one-size-fits-all products. These kinds of products can easily lead to uneven results or miss hard-to-reach spots.
Safety is another concern. Every teeth whitening treatment will be performed under the supervision of Dr. Caves. This level of supervision ensures that your gums and teeth are protected during the process. Store-bought kits do not come with that level of protection, which can increase the risk of irritation or sensitivity.
Finally, professional whitening results last longer. Dr. Caves uses high-quality products that penetrate deeply to remove tough stains and provide longer-lasting brightness. On the other hand, store-bought kits typically only address surface stains, so the results fade quickly.
Is professional teeth whitening right for you?
Nearly everyone can benefit from teeth whitening. Having a whiter, brighter smile can boost your confidence, make you more attractive and give you a younger appearance. Teeth whitening is perfect for special events such as weddings, graduations, and job interviews.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Columbus, GA
Contact the office of Dr. Albert Caves today to learn more about the teeth whitening services we offer in Columbus, GA. You can reach our office by calling (706) 407-4851 or you can schedule an appointment by filling out our online form.