San Francisco and Marin CA
Over time, our teeth may begin to lose their natural brightness and become dull, discolored or yellowed, which can, unfortunately, make us appear older than we really are. A dazzling, radiant smile is often associated with youth, vitality, confidence and beauty, but the natural aging process — along with lifestyle factors like diet and oral hygiene habits — can take a toll on the appearance of our teeth.
Fortunately, modern dentistry has found a way to rewind the hands of time … sort of. Teeth whitening — one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in our San Francisco cosmetic dental office — provides a safe and transformative way to bring your smile back to life. Whether your discoloration is due to years of sipping coffee, wine and tea or simply the passage of time, you don’t have to settle for anything less than a brilliant, youthful grin. Keep reading for all you need to know about teeth whitening in the Bay Area with Glen Park Dental.
Why are my teeth stained?
Teeth can become stained for several reasons, and any recommended treatment will depend on the specific type of staining a patient has:
- Extrinsic — These are common external stains on the surface of your teeth, usually from repeated exposure to stain-causing substances like coffee, red wine and dark sodas. Tobacco use and smoking are main culprits for extrinsic staining, too.
- Intrinsic — These are internal stains that develop inside the tooth, usually appearing as grayish areas of discoloration. Intrinsic stains may be caused by trauma, fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride during tooth development) or certain prescription medications, like tetracycline.
- Age — As tooth enamel thins with age, more of the dentin — the yellow layer of tooth structure under enamel — is revealed, making the teeth appear yellowed.
What can I do about my stained teeth?
Fortunately, our cosmetic dentist in Marin has options to combat any kind of tooth stain!
- GLO® whitening system
Our office is proud to offer GLO® (short for Guided Light Optics®), a safe and effective teeth-whitening system that you can use from the comfort of your own home! The GLO® process involves applying a professional-strength whitening gel to a light-activated mouthpiece and then waiting for eight minutes. Studies suggest that GLO® can drastically whiten teeth in as little as three to five days. Many of our patients report reaching their desired brightness no later than seven days after they began the treatment.
Sometimes, stains that are deep inside the tooth won’t be lightened by external whitening systems. But our professional dental team at Glen Park Dental has a way to correct those pesky intrinsic and age-related stains, too!
- Porcelain veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin, durable, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco bonds to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Veneers mask cosmetic imperfections such as discoloration, chips, misshapen teeth and gaps between teeth. They look and feel natural and, with proper care, can last for decades.
- Dental bonding
Dental bonding addresses many of the same imperfections as veneers, but bonding is a bit more cost-effective and it takes only one visit to the dentist whereas veneers usually take at least two. Using a tooth-colored resin, our Marin cosmetic dentist can repair chips, close small gaps, cover stains or reshape uneven teeth to create a more polished and uniform appearance. The process is minimally invasive, often requiring little to no removal of natural enamel. With proper care, dental bonding can last for years.
How do I maintain my results?
Now that you have a new, dazzling white smile, you certainly want to try to maintain it!
Here are a few tips:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks or enjoy them in moderation.
- Rinse with water after eating or drinking anything staining to remove the substances and keep your teeth clean.
- Use a whitening toothpaste formulated to help maintain whitening results without being too abrasive.
- Brush twice a day and floss once daily to prevent plaque buildup and stains.
- Avoid smoking or other tobacco products because they can quickly discolor teeth, undoing the effects of whitening treatments.
- Schedule touch-up treatments
- Use a straw for dark beverages to minimize contact between staining liquids and your teeth.
- Maintain regular dental cleanings every six months to help prevent the buildup of plaque and stains.
Teeth whitening in the Bay Area
Don’t let discoloration or dullness hold you back — take the first step toward a brighter, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with Glen Park Dental today! Call (415) 799-3900, or send us a message online.
