Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry provides professional teeth whitening in Stuart, FL. If you have yellow teeth, intrinsic stains, or want to achieve a beautiful, whiter smile, our cosmetic dental services can help restore your confidence. Call
to learn more and schedule an appointment.Can tooth discoloration be prevented?
Many causes of tooth discoloration cannot be controlled, such as aging, genetics, environment, trauma, disease, and medications. However, sometimes it is possible to prevent tooth discoloration by just making a few simple lifestyle changes. For example, reducing or quitting smoking and limiting staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine—all common causes of staining—can help. In addition, improving dental hygiene practices, like regular brushing and flossing, and seeing your dental hygienist at least twice a year for dental cleanings (prophylaxis) can help you maintain a healthy, bright smile.
What treatment options are available for whitening your teeth?
If you desire whiter teeth, you should consult with a dental professional. Treatment options can vary depending on the cause of discoloration and may include:
- Using over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes that gently polish surface stains.
- Seeing a dentist who uses professional teeth whitening products and dental procedures that are stronger in concentration to remove deeper and intrinsic stains.
- Having your prosthodontist apply dental veneers (porcelain or composite resin material bonded over the front or visible part of the tooth). This may be the only effective option in cases where tooth whitening procedures are unable to completely remove the discoloration or staining.
How do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes remove stains on the surface of your teeth. They are the gentlest of the whitening treatment options. They work by polishing-action rather than by chemical-action and have few side effects. However, they do not get teeth as white when compared to chemical products. Whitening toothpastes can lighten teeth, but a little at a time.
How do home use whiteners work?
Home-use whiteners are in stock at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry. They contain a chemical called peroxide, which gets below the surface to lighten tooth enamel. Home-use whiteners are meant to be used over days or weeks. They come in varying concentrations. Depending on your circumstances, we may only recommend over-the-counter prescription level products (stock trays or strips), while others may need custom trays and higher concentration whitening gels for better results.
We will make custom whitening trays for your upper and lower teeth. You will be shown how to put the whitening gel in the trays. It is important to keep it off the gums to avoid irritation. You will also be advised on how long and when to wear them. If you wear the trays for too long, the peroxide in the gel may harm your tooth enamel.
Who should avoid tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is not a good choice for all patients. Our team will help determine if you are a good candidate before recommending any dental procedures. It is important to consider the following:
- People with gum recession (where gums pull away from teeth) may experience irritation.
- Active tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease should be treated before whitening.
- Restorations such as fillings, crowns, or implants—and certain deep stains—will not respond to whitening treatments.
Why choose professional teeth whitening?
Many patients feel self-conscious about yellow teeth or a smile that has lost its brightness over time. Whether the cause is aging, staining foods, or certain medications, professional teeth whitening at our office delivers results that over-the-counter products simply cannot match. Professional teeth whitening treatments use higher-concentration whitening agents to address deeper intrinsic stains and help patients achieve a beautiful, bright smile that reflects how they feel on the inside.
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we understand that every patient is different. That is why we break the process down into smaller pieces, explaining each step so patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their visit. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and effective as possible, from your first appointment to your final results.
How does teeth whitening fit into your overall dental care?
Teeth whitening is just one of the many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures available at our practice. As part of a comprehensive approach to dental care, we also offer services such as veneers, dental implants, implant dentistry, and family dentistry to support the oral health and appearance of every member of your household. Whether you want to maintain the results of your whitening treatment or achieve a complete smile transformation, our team—recognized among the best dentists in Stuart, FL—is here to help.
If dental implants or other restorations are part of your treatment plan, it is important to know that those restorations will not respond to whitening agents. In these cases, cosmetic options such as veneers may be recommended to help you achieve a uniform, whiter smile across your entire smile. Our dentist will evaluate your unique situation and guide you toward the best solution for your goals and confidence.
Are there any side effects to tooth whitening?
Whitening treatment may cause your teeth to be sensitive to very hot or cold temperatures. Whitening may also irritate your gums for a short time. If the side effects do not go away after a few days, contact our office.
