Understanding Why Your Teeth Aren’t the Shade You’d Like

Wanting a brighter smile is practically universal. Most people have at least some concern about the shade of their smile but might not know what the best method is to achieve whiter teeth. Professional whitening provides a fast, powerful way to see the smile of your dreams become a reality.

Your teeth have multiple layers. The outermost layer is the enamel, the hardest material found in the human body. It bears the brunt of chewing, tooth decay, wear, and the other challenges your teeth stand up to. It’s slightly translucent, giving teeth their distinct pearly appearance.

Underneath the enamel is a material called dentin. It is softer than enamel but still harder than bone, providing strength. Dentin is generally a pale yellow, which can lead many smiles to appear off-white as it shows through.

Extrinsic stains affect the enamel, so they are typically the easiest to deal with. Stains that originate within the tooth and affect the dentin are called intrinsic stains. These are much more challenging to deal with and don’t respond to most whitening methods.

When Professional Teeth Whitening Is Right for You

Professional teeth whitening can have your teeth 5 to 10 shades brighter in just one visit. In-office whitening uses custom trays and clinical strength whitening gel to noticeably whiten your teeth during your visit.

Take-home whitening kits from your dentist also provide professional results. They feature custom trays and whitening gel but in a lower concentration than what your dentist applies during in-office treatment. You wear the trays for a brief period each day for around two weeks.

Both of these professional teeth whitening methods target extrinsic stains that affect the enamel. These stains can arise from food and drink. Dark, acidic drinks, such as coffee, soda, and wine, are among the top contributors. Tobacco stains are also in this category, as are most stains you’ll encounter.

Cases That May Call for Other Options

If you experience intrinsic stains that discolor dentin, in-office whitening and take-home tooth whitening kits are unlikely to deliver the results you’re looking for. Intrinsic stains are often the result of an injury to the tooth or the use of certain medications. This makes the dentin darker, which can show through the translucent enamel.

While most whitening methods don’t work for intrinsic stains, there are other options available. Dental veneers can provide a flawless appearance for your teeth. Your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the front of the teeth and bonds custom porcelain veneers on top. Veneers can resolve any type of discoloration, along with superficial chips and cracks.

The Best Teeth Whitening Options

Finding the best teeth whitening option for your needs isn’t always easy. You’ll find DIY methods promising sure results and store shelves lined with countless products claiming to offer a brighter smile. However, they are often ineffective at best—and harmful at worst.

Why Over-the-Counter and DIY Methods Fall Short

Options like whitening toothpaste and whitening strips can deliver some improvement. However, they are very slow methods. You might not achieve noticeable results at all, even after a long period of use. Most kinds of toothpaste on store shelves today claim to offer some level of whitening, but few can really deliver.

You can also find over-the-counter whitening trays similar to the take-home kits you can get at Luminous Smiles. However, they can’t deliver the same results either. Take-home kits from your dentist feature both a stronger whitening agent and custom-made trays that provide a snug fit and optimal coverage.

Some people try to achieve better results by using whitening strips or other options multiple times a day—more than what instructions recommend. This is both ineffective and potentially damaging to your teeth. Take-home kits provide clear instructions from your dentist to ensure both results and safety.

Some companies may add charcoal and other abrasive elements to whitening toothpaste, while influencers and others may  suggest these same elements as DIY whitening methods. However, these compounds can wear down your teeth. Abrasive polishing can remove enamel, which never grows back. Long-term use can lead to sensitivity and a higher risk of tooth decay.

Find the solution you need for whiter teeth in Newport Beach, CA.

At Luminous Smiles, Dr. Desai offers both in-office teeth whitening and take-home kits. With professional teeth whitening, you can achieve a smile that’s 5 to 10 shades brighter in just one visit. Our take-home kits deliver similar results over a period of about two weeks.

When you visit Luminous Smiles, Dr. Desai will carefully determine the ideal shade for your teeth. Your ideal shade is not simply as white as possible; instead, Dr. Desai designs a careful balance based on the tone of your skin and eyes. You can enjoy a bright smile that looks both flawless and natural.

To find out whether in-office whitening, a take-home kit, or other option is right for you, schedule a consultation with Luminous Smiles today.