Teeth Whitening

Is your smile less bright than it used to be? If so, professional teeth whitening can restore a bright, white smile and is among the most common cosmetic procedures performed by Vijay Godi, DDS, at Prime Dental in Fort Wayne, Indiana. To explore this option in more detail, reach out to the office online or over the phone to find an appointment that fits your busy schedule.

Why is teeth whitening an important part of smile care?

The most common cause of tooth discoloration is the aging process. Only the outermost layer of tooth tissue is naturally white. Beneath your enamel lies another layer of hard tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow. 

As the years pass, some of your enamel wears away. This reveals more of the dentin, giving teeth an overall yellow shade. 

Additional causes of tooth discoloration include:

• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Foods that stain, like red wine, coffee, and berries
• Certain medications
• Exposure to excessive fluoride levels
• Traumatic tooth injury
• Poor dental hygiene

Fortunately, if you experience tooth discoloration, you can pursue professional teeth whitening to restore a bright smile.

What happens during teeth whitening?

As you rest in the treatment chair, Dr. Godi carefully isolates your tongue and other soft tissues. Next, he applies a powerful whitening solution to the front surfaces of your teeth. Some systems use a special light to activate whitening, while others simply need a few moments to blast apart stains. A thorough rinse follows. 

If you prefer to whiten your teeth, professional-grade at-home whitening kits use molded trays that fit over your teeth. You simply apply a thin line of whitening gel to the trays and pop them in for a set amount of time. 

How can I extend my teeth whitening results?

Once you see how beautiful your smile looks after professional teeth whitening, you’ll want to do everything you can to preserve and extend those results. There are steps you can take to maintain your bright smile. 

If you smoke, begin by finding a smoking cessation program that works for you. Quitting will do wonders not only for the appearance of your teeth but also for your dental and overall health. 

If you regularly consume drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine, take a moment to rinse your mouth afterward to reduce the risk of staining, or consider using a straw to reduce the amount of time these drinks come in contact with teeth. 

Routine dental exams and professional teeth cleaning are outstanding ways to keep your teeth shining and white. Visit every six months, giving Dr. Godi an opportunity to look for signs of dental decay and gum disease. 

To schedule a teeth whitening visit, call the office during regular business hours. Online booking is also an option, and takes just moments to complete.