As a person ages, mineral exposure causes the teeth to gradually darken. Over time, some food, drink, or tobacco products also create unattractive yellowish-brown stains. Less commonly, you may experience discoloration due to some medications or bacterial infections.
Whitening procedures are not a solution for all discoloration (e.g. darkening caused by cavities). Similarly, whitening does not work on all stains. Dr. Farah will discuss your options for care with you. Some cases that are not appropriate for whitening procedures can be effectively treated with restorative options such as Veneers.
You may also choose to chemically whiten your teeth at home. In this case, Dr. Farah will fit a tray to your bite, and provide you with a mild whitening gel. Over a course of weeks or months, you regularly apply the gel to your teeth using the tray.
This method is more gradual, and less noticeable to others. In rare instances, some patients experience gum sensitivity or discomfort in response to the gel.