Teeth Whitening | Grand Rapids Dentists

There is nothing more unnatural than trying to hold back a smile because we don’t want anyone to notice our stained or discolored teeth.  Wouldn’t you like to boost your personal image and confidence that comes with brighter, whiter teeth!  There are several teeth whitening options available that can remove or reduce the signs of brown and yellow staining.  The most effective teeth whitening procedures are available through your cosmetic dentist.  Grand Rapids Teeth Whitening Dentists at Cascade Cosmetic and Family Dentistry have been successfully providing teeth whitening procedures for their patients for over 15 years.  Our dentists can explain the pros and cons of each treatment available and determine the best teeth whitening alternative for you based on the severity of your staining.  

Why do our teeth become stained?

Brown or yellow stains develop can on our teeth from several types of foods and beverages.  Here is the list to be aware of if you are trying to minimize staining to your teeth;  berries, curry, coffee, dark fruit juice, dark soft drinks, red wine, soy sauce and tea.

Many of us crave that cup of coffee or tea in the morning.  Hot liquids can be particularly hazardous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth causing your teeth to expand allowing stains from the dark beverages to enter your teeth.  Slightly acidic foods can also open up the pores of your tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily penetrate your teeth. Lastly, Smoking can negatively affect the health of our gums and the color of our teeth.  Obviously one solution to improving your smile is to eliminate these bad habits but we all know that can feel like an insurmountable task.  Fortunately there have been major advances in teeth whitening products and techniques. 

Teeth whitening in your home or at your dentist office

Home teeth whitening products can be beneficial if your teeth are mildly stained and you wish to whiten your teeth by 2-3 shades.  A vast array of home whitening products are available and can be found in the forms of gels, light applicators and toothpaste. 

Dental office teeth whitening techniques and products have greatly evolved.  Whitening teeth is one of the most common types of cosmetic dental procedures today. Office whitening incorporates fairly high concentrations of bleaching agents that are applied by our Teeth Whitening Dentists under carefully monitored, safe conditions.  The results of in-office teeth whitening treatments are often immediately visible.      

Advantages and Disadvantages of teeth whitening

Home whitening product can be beneficial for mild staining or to maintain the shade of whitened teeth after a dental procedure.  However, if you use home teeth whitening products incorrectly they can harm your tooth enamel and irritate your gum tissue. Home bleaching kits can also produce uneven results and excessive use can create an unnatural bluish hue.   Supervision by a dentist can help avoid these mistakes. 

Dental office procedures produce the fastest results and are the safest form of tooth bleaching.  Gum and tooth sensitivity are more easily controlled through the use of thicker peroxide gels, potassium nitrate and fluoride desensitizers.  The primary disadvantages are the cost and that teeth whitening procedures are not permanent solutions to staining or discoloration, especially for smokers and coffee drinkers.  At Cascade Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, recommend an office consultation to determine the best procedure for you and your budget.  

Our Dentists are committed to providing our clients with the safest and most effective teeth whitening procedures available today.  Let us care for you and your family’s smiles, contact us today to schedule an appointment (888) 440-9297.