Why are my teeth yellow?
Yellow teeth occur due to the natural aging process. As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) begins to wear down and fade away. Over time, this makes the inner layer of your teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin is naturally yellow.
Several other factors can cause your teeth to yellow as well, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Eating foods that stain, like tomatoes or berries
- Drinking beverages with tannins, like coffee and tea
- Using tobacco
Your teeth might also change color if you take medication that contains tetracycline.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry treatment that safely removes stains from the surface of your teeth. Dr. Kakanar offers highly effective take-home teeth whitening kits to his patients.
Take-home teeth whitening kits use a safe, medical-grade bleaching solution to slowly address discoloration. The results take several weeks to appear but can last for four to six months and sometimes even longer.
What does teeth whitening treatment involve?
Teeth whitening treatment begins with an in-office consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Kakanar conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental history, and asks about your goals for treatment. He then takes impressions of your teeth.
Dr. Kakanar uses your impressions to create a set of custom oral mouthpieces in-house, a process that takes about an hour. Once your mouthpieces are ready, Dr. Kakanar gives you a tube of the bleaching solution and a syringe for application.
At home, you wear the mouthpieces for three to four hours at a time. Slowly but surely, the bleaching solution eradicates stains and discoloration.
Are the results of teeth whitening permanent?
The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they can last for several months at a time. To extend the brightness of teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Kakanar recommends brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the practice every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
You might also want to avoid drinking beverages like coffee and red wine or stop using tobacco.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe and usually well-tolerated, but the solution may irritate your gums or tongue. To lower the risk of potential complications, follow Dr. Kakanar’s instructions carefully. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kakanar at any time.
To further explore the benefits of teeth whitening, request a consultation at the practice of Jaikrishnan R. Kakanar, DDS. Call the office, or schedule an appointment using the online booking today.
