Saint Louis Cosmetic Dentist Responds to Queries About Teeth Whitening

Written by Dr. Grayem on Dec 10, 2013

Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentist office is here to help you get all of the information you need in order to achieve the smile that you want. Today we are focusing on a very common cosmetic complaint—dental staining. Dental discoloration can put a damper on how you feel about your smile, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Keep reading to learn more.

Q: My teeth used to look so white, why have my teeth become darker over time?

A: Young dental enamel is bright and white—you may, for example, notice that children and adolescents have naturally bright enamel. Your teeth may become discolored because your enamel gets thinner as it ages. Additionally, your teeth are consistently exposed to staining substances when you eat and drink; this discoloration accumulates over time.

Q: What about a dental cleaning? Doesn’t this lighten my enamel enough?
A: Some patients do find that their teeth look much whiter after they undergo a professional dental cleaning. Professional cleanings are most effective on fairly recent environmental stains. If, however, your teeth have embedded stains, you may benefit from additional cosmetic treatments.

Q: What types of cosmetic treatments does your dental office offer?
A: The first cosmetic treatment that many patients try is professional whitening treatment. These treatments are very effective on environmental stains. Many patients find that professional teeth whitening treatment is all that they need to rejuvenate their dental enamel. If, however, professional whitening does not work for you, you may want to explore dental veneers as an alternative.

Don’t worry if you have noticed that your teeth are looking dark or dull, because there are so many treatment options for you to pursue. Call our Saint Louis cosmetic dentist office if you want to get started refreshing and rejuvenating your dental enamel. We look forward to helping you brighten your smile quickly, comfortably, and effectively.