Teeth Whitening – Midland, TX

Teeth Stains & Discoloration

Let's answer the question of how teeth become less than pearly white. There are a number of factors. First, of course are the most unavoidable culprits being the foods and beverages you eat and drink every day. Think of all the colors! There is black coffee, red raspberries, blue blueberries, red tomato sauce, red wine and dark chocolate. All of these plus many others leave ugly stains on your teeth.

Other things that can contribute to tooth discoloration include:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Small cracks in your tooth enamel that hide stain-causing food particles
• Chips and cracks that darken the edges of your teeth
• Traumatic injury to a tooth and internal bleeding that cause the tooth to change color
• Excessive fluoride exposure as a child
• Certain medications and some forms of chemotherapy

Preventing Stained Teeth

You can help keep your teeth whiter with regular brushing and flossing. If you can’t brush after every meal, then Dr. Drisdale recommends rinsing with water, especially after you’ve had coffee, tea, wine or other drinks and foods that can easily stain your teeth. Scheduling regular appointments for teeth cleanings in Midland at Dr. Drisdale’s dental office can also help remove stains from the surfaces of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Options

Even with your regular oral hygiene care at home and cleanings in our dental office, there may come a time when you want to take advantage of professional teeth whitening. We have both an in-office teeth whitening system as well as a take-home kit. For in-office whitening, one of our dental assistants applies the whitening gel and conditioner to your teeth, and in about an hour to an hour-and-a-half you will have a smile that is several shades brighter.

To further brighten your teeth, Dr. Drisdale will recommend that you follow this treatment with at least two weeks of whitening at home. You will be sent home with custom-fitted mouth trays and professional strength whitening gel. You will be instructed to fill the trays with the gel and wear them nightly, according to Dr. Drisdale’s instructions. You’ll be amazed once you see your new, bright smile!