Do you have a special event coming up or just want a whiter smile? Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments that enhances your smile. But before buying over-the-counter products, you should talk to a cosmetic dentist. Store-bought options are not as strong as professional teeth whitening from Dr. Whitehouse and Dr. Kilkelly.
The good news is that teeth whitening in Austin at Derby Dental is quick and easy. After your first visit to our Austin dental office, we’ll give you a choice: in-office whitening or at-home whitening kits.
KöR Teeth Whitening at Derby Dental
Forget those store-bought products with weak bleach and flimsy trays. KöR uses a powerful whitening gel and custom-made trays designed just for your teeth. This means better results, less sensitivity, and the ability to tackle even the toughest stains.
Because the trays are made to fit your mouth perfectly, you won’t have to worry about gum irritation. With proper care, your dazzling results can last anywhere from several months to two years.
At Derby Dental, we’re all about making teeth whitening affordable, comfortable, and effective. Our process combines in-office treatments with at-home care to give you the best of both worlds.
During your in-office visit, we’ll apply a strong whitening gel to your teeth and use a special UV light to activate it. This helps break down deep stains and brighten your smile. We’ll repeat this process for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how bright you want your teeth to be.
After your in-office treatment, we’ll send you home with custom trays and a professional-grade whitening gel so you can keep the whitening process going. Just follow our simple instructions, and you’ll be on your way to a stunning smile. Ask us any questions or concerns along the way, we’re here to help.
Professional Vs. Store-Bought Teeth Whitening
You’ve probably seen those whitening strips and kits at the store and wondered if they’re worth it. While store-bought options might seem cheaper upfront, they often end up costing more in the long run because you have to keep buying them. Plus, they’re not nearly as strong as professional products, so you might not get the results you’re hoping for.
Professional whitening, like KöR, uses higher-quality products that are stronger and more effective. They’re also customized to fit your teeth perfectly, which means no splotchy or uneven results. And because they’re designed with your comfort in mind, you’re less likely to deal with sensitivity issues. Store-bought products are one-size-fits-all, which can lead to irritation and uneven whitening.
So, if you’re ready for a brighter, whiter smile that lasts, professional whitening is the way to go. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams Schedule your KöR whitening appointment today!
What Causes Discolored Teeth
Discolored teeth are something just about everyone deals with at some point. Your teeth might not stay as bright as they once were because of everyday habits, aging, or even genetics. If your smile isn’t as white as you’d like, here are some common reasons why:
Foods and Drinks That Stain
What you eat and drink plays a big role in how white your teeth stay. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas contain pigments that stick to your enamel and cause stains over time. Foods like berries, tomato sauces, and soy sauce can also leave their mark. If you regularly consume these, your teeth may start to look dull or yellowish.
Tobacco Use
If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, you’ve probably noticed your teeth looking more yellow or even brown. That’s because tobacco contains tar and nicotine, both of which can leave deep stains on your enamel. These stains don’t just brush off easily. They tend to sink in and often require professional whitening to remove.
Not Keeping Up with Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly is key to keeping your teeth clean and bright. If you skip these steps, plaque starts to build up. Over time, it hardens into tartar and make your teeth look stained and yellow. The best way to prevent this is to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for cleanings.
Aging and Tooth Wear
As you get older, your teeth naturally start to lose their bright white appearance. This happens because the outer layer of enamel wears down over time. It reveals the yellowish layer of dentin underneath. While this is a normal part of aging, poor oral hygiene and a diet full of staining foods can speed up the process.
Medications That Affect Tooth Color
Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can leave stains on developing teeth. Children who take them are more likely to have discoloration later on. Other medications can also affect tooth color, such as some antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy treatments.
Tooth Injuries and Trauma
If you’ve ever taken a hard hit to the mouth, you may have noticed your tooth turning darker. That’s because an injury can cause your tooth to produce more dentin, which has a naturally darker shade. In some cases, a tooth injury can cut off blood flow and make the tooth turn gray or black.
Too Much Fluoride
Fluoride is great for keeping teeth strong and preventing cavities. But too much of it can lead to a condition called fluorosis. This usually happens when young children get too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing. They might see more white or brown spots on the enamel as they grow.
Genetics and Natural Tooth Color
Sometimes, the color of your teeth comes down to genetics. If your family members have naturally darker or more yellowish teeth, you might notice the same in your own smile. Some people also have thinner enamel, which makes the yellow dentin underneath more visible.
Dental Problems That Cause Staining
Certain dental conditions can also lead to discoloration. Cavities, worn enamel, and gum disease can all change the color of your teeth. Professional treatment is often needed to restore your smile if your discoloration is due to an underlying dental issue.
If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, you have plenty of ways to brighten your smile. Whether it’s making small changes to your daily habits or getting professional whitening, you have options to restore your teeth’s natural shine.
How to Keep Your Smile Bright After Whitening
Getting your teeth professionally whitened can give you a noticeably brighter smile, but keeping those results takes some effort. The last thing you want is for stains to creep back in after investing in a whitening treatment. With the right care, you can enjoy your whiter smile for months or years before needing a touch-up. Here’s how to make your results last as long as possible:
Stick to a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the easiest ways to maintain your whiter smile is by keeping up with daily brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing is just as important since it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and places your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque can trap stains and make your teeth look dull, so stay on top of your routine.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Some foods and drinks can stain your teeth faster than others. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are some of the biggest culprits, thanks to their deep-colored pigments. Foods like berries, tomato sauces, and soy sauce can also leave stains over time. You don’t have to avoid these completely, but try to rinse your mouth with water afterward or use a straw when drinking dark beverages. This will help limit their contact with your teeth.
Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use
Your bright smile won’t last very long if you smoke or use tobacco. Tar and nicotine can quickly turn your teeth yellow or brown, even after a professional whitening treatment. Quitting tobacco not only keeps your teeth looking great but also improves your overall oral health. Plus, it lowers your risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating or Drinking
A simple way to keep your teeth from staining is to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything that could leave a mark. This helps wash away pigments and acids before they settle into your enamel. Keeping a water bottle with you makes it easy to rinse on the go.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Even with good at-home care, plaque and tartar can still build up and make your teeth look dull over time. Professional dental cleanings remove these stubborn deposits and keep your smile bright. Dentists also check for any oral health issues that could affect the appearance of your teeth.
Use Whitening Touch-Up Products
Over time, your teeth may gradually lose some of their whiteness. Your dentist may recommend touch-up treatments to keep your smile looking fresh, such as whitening trays or pens. These products help maintain your results between professional treatments. Just be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid over-whitening and making your teeth extra sensitive.
Try a Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking their best. While it won’t give you the same dramatic results as a professional whitening treatment, it’s a great way to maintain your brightness. Look for one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal to make sure it’s safe and effective.
Be Careful with Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel. Citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar-based dressings make your teeth more vulnerable to staining. If you eat something acidic, rinse your mouth with water after to help neutralize the acids and protect your enamel.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your overall health. Water rinses away food particles, bacteria, and staining pigments while also encouraging saliva production. Since saliva naturally protects and cleans your teeth, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a simple way to maintain your whitening results.
Professional whitening can give you a bright, confident smile, but keeping it that way requires a little effort. Follow these tips and be mindful of your daily habits. You will enjoy your whiter teeth for as long as possible. And if you ever need a refresh, Derby Dental can help you with touch-ups to keep your smile looking its best!
If you’re looking to remove stains or discoloration from your teeth, contact Derby Dental in Austin, TX. Call us at 512-862-1463 or request an appointment online.