Although teeth whitening can produce profound results, it does not last forever. Teeth become dingy and stained from the foods and beverages that we consume. The only true way to achieve a bright, white smile that lasts is through cosmetic dentistry in Los Gatos that results in permanent results such as veneers.
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow? Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
Everyone's teeth get a little duller with age because the outer enamel layer thins out over time. Beneath this white enamel layer is dentin, which is yellowish. Additionally, this yellow dentin grows thicker as you age, making your teeth look more yellow or duller every year.
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
Even with daily brushing, certain foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. For example, frequently drinking coffee, tea and wine can all lead to yellow teeth. In addition, even regular brushing cannot always combat yellow teeth caused by smoking cigarettes.
#3 Brushing Isn't Designed to Whiten Teeth
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay.
Teeth whitening prices vary
Depending on your specific needs, the average teeth whitening cost is between $99-$367. There are many factors that can determine the cost of teeth whitening.
Baking soda is good for teeth whitening because it is a very mild abrasive, which helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. In addition, baking soda is alkaline and salty, which helps lighten acid-based food stains – such as those from coffee, tea, and red wine – on teeth.
Because baking soda removes discoloration from the surface of your teeth, it won't remove deeper stains. According to the Mayo Clinic, toothpaste containing baking soda can help coffee and smoking stains, and it could take between two to six weeks for you to notice a difference.
For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.
Baking Soda & Water
If you're sure that the staining is caused by the foods or beverages you're consuming, there's a simple home remedy that can often help whiten them again. Mix baking soda and water, and brush your teeth with it every few days to supplement your typical oral care routine.
Dentists generally recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but you can whiten them by brushing after every meal with a whitening toothpaste. These brands of toothpaste are not strong enough to help you remove deep discoloration, but they can help you scrub off some surface stains and mild discoloration.
The quickest, most dramatic way to whiten is to get an in-office bleaching at a dentist's office. Using professional-strength hydrogen peroxide and special lights or lasers, your dentist can remove even deep stains in about an hour.
Professional teeth whitening costs can vary, starting at around $250 for bleaching trays and getting as high as $650 for in-chair whitening procedures. If you're wondering “how much does in office teeth whitening cost?”, your best bet is to approach your dentist and get a pricing quote from there.
Though Medicare does not cover any dental care as a general rule, it does cover some essential services for eligible children and adults. Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it's not covered by Medicare.
The most common and effective ways to get a whiter smile, just like the celebrities, are not through at-home whitening treatments. In fact, they can often be a waste of money. Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers.
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
“Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth,” notes Crest. Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.
Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, contain lactic acid and the enamel-fortifying mineral calcium, which strengthen teeth while also whitening them.