Teeth Whitening Mt. Pleasant, MI

Do you have discolored teeth? Do you want a whiter and brighter smile?

Mount Pleasant, MI dentist Dr. Raymond Ribitch offers professional teeth whitening for patients who want brighter teeth. The cosmetic dental procedure is quick, painless, and effective at eliminating stains and discoloration. If you have yellowed, stained, or darkened tooth enamel, professional teeth whitening can help. Teeth whitening can also be the finishing touch for a smile makeover after orthodontic treatment.

Smoking and tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, aging, genetics, and certain medications are the most common causes of discolored teeth. Drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine easily stain tooth enamel when consumed frequently.

Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

There are multiple benefits to professional teeth whitening under the care of Dr. Ribitch:

  • Reverses effects of aging on teeth
  • Improves tooth health
  • Brightens teeth
  • Is easy to maintain
  • Offers painless treatment
  • Minimizes tooth sensitivity
  • Can improve confidence and self-esteem

If you have white spots on your teeth or stains that have not responded well to teeth whitening before, we provide other cosmetic dental treatments or restorative treatments that may help you brighten your smile.

Teeth Whitening Treatment in Mount Pleasant, MI

Professional teeth whitening has many benefits over store-bought. We offer two different types of teeth whitening: in-office and take-home. Both methods use professional-grade ingredients you can’t get over the counter.

In-office Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening is ideal for patients who want dramatic results quickly. At our office, you can get teeth up to eight shades whiter in about an hour. We start by protecting your gums and other soft tissue so that they don’t come into contact with the bleaching gel, which can cause sensitivity.

Once protected, we evenly paint the whitening gel onto your teeth. We provide eye protection before the dentist uses a special light to activate the gel’s whitening agent. We do this step multiple times in 15-minute increments until you get the desired results. You may get a take-home touchup kit to maintain the results.

Take-home Teeth Whitening

Take-home whitening is a more gradual process. First, we take impressions of your teeth to create customized whitening trays. This ensures that they fit correctly, the whitening gel evenly covers your teeth, and saliva is kept out so that it doesn’t interfere with the whitening process. It also prevents the whitening gel from coming into contact with soft tissue.

The trays are filled with professional-grade whitening gel, which you wear for a certain amount each evening. Treatment typically lasts for a few weeks. Dr. Ribitch will create a custom treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Many people want a bright, white smile, but tooth discoloration is a common problem. Teeth can turn yellow, brown, gray, or even develop white spots for several reasons. Some stains happen on the surface of the teeth, while others come from deep inside. Understanding what causes tooth discoloration can help prevent stains and keep your smile looking its best.

Foods, Drinks, and Smoking

What you eat and drink plays a big role in the color of your teeth. Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, can stain the enamel over time. Acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar can weaken the enamel, making it easier for stains to stick. Some healthy foods, like berries and tomato sauce, can leave stubborn stains behind.

Smoking and using tobacco products are also major causes of tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes turn teeth yellow or brown; over time, these stains can become very difficult to remove. If you smoke, quitting can not only improve your oral health but also keep your teeth looking whiter.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Plaque Buildup

Brushing and flossing daily helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which is yellow or brown in color. Tartar buildup can make teeth appear darker and harder to clean. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings help prevent stains caused by plaque and tartar.

Aging and Genetics

As people get older, their teeth naturally lose their bright white appearance. The outer enamel layer wears down over time, revealing the yellowish dentin layer underneath. Some people also have naturally darker or more yellow-toned teeth due to genetics. If your parents have discolored teeth, you may be more likely to experience the same issue.

Medications and Medical Conditions

Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration, especially if taken at a young age. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can cause gray or brown stains if used during childhood while teeth are still developing. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can also affect tooth color. In addition, conditions like enamel hypoplasia or excessive fluoride exposure can lead to white or brown spots on the teeth.

Professional Vs. Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening

With so many whitening options available, knowing which one to choose can be hard. Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products like strips, toothpaste, and gels may seem easy, but they don’t always provide the best results. Professional teeth whitening by a dentist offers a safer, more effective, and longer-lasting solution.

Stronger and Faster Results

One of the biggest advantages of professional teeth whitening is its strength and effectiveness. Over-the-counter products contain lower concentrations of whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Because of this, they take longer to show results and may only lighten teeth by a few shades.

Professional whitening treatments use stronger bleaching agents that can lift deep stains and brighten teeth by several shades in just one appointment. Dentists also use special tools, like light or heat activation, to speed up the process and enhance the whitening effect. Professional whitening is the better choice if you want fast, noticeable results.

Customized for Your Needs

Over-the-counter whitening products are designed to be one-size-fits-all, but not everyone’s teeth respond to whitening the same way. Some people have deep stains requiring stronger treatment, while others may have sensitive teeth requiring a gentler approach.

Professional teeth whitening is customized to your needs. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, adjust the whitening strength if necessary, and ensure the treatment is safe and effective. Take-home whitening kits have custom-fitted trays, providing better coverage and results than store-bought whitening strips.

Safer and Less Sensitivity

Many people experience tooth sensitivity when using OTC whitening products because the whitening gel can irritate the teeth and gums. Since these products are not customized, the whitening agent may spread unevenly, causing discomfort or gum irritation.

A dentist carefully applies professional whitening treatments to protect your gums and prevent sensitivity. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, they can adjust the treatment to make it more comfortable. Professional whitening is a safer option that reduces the risk of damage to your enamel and gums.

Longer-Lasting Results

Over-the-counter whitening treatments often provide temporary results. Since they use weaker whitening agents, stains can return more quickly, requiring frequent touch-ups. Some products may also fail to remove deep stains, leaving teeth uneven or patchy.

Professional whitening penetrates deeper into the enamel to break up stains and provide longer-lasting results. Professional whitening can keep your teeth bright for a year or more with proper care. Your dentist can also recommend touch-up treatments or customized trays for at-home maintenance.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Discolored teeth are a common dental concern among patients. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions.

How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening results vary depending on lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene. On average, professional whitening can last between six months and two years. Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help maintain your results. Regular dental cleanings and touch-up treatments can also prolong the effects of whitening.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments. This happens because the bleaching agents temporarily weaken the enamel, exposing the dentin layer underneath. Sensitivity usually subsides within a few days. Using desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods after treatment can help reduce discomfort.

Can teeth whitening damage my enamel?

When done correctly, teeth whitening does not damage the enamel. Professional treatments are designed to be safe and effective. However, overuse of whitening products, especially without a dentist’s supervision, can lead to enamel erosion. It’s important to follow the recommended guidelines and avoid excessive whitening.

How often can I whiten my teeth?

Most dentists recommend professional whitening treatments once every six months to a year, depending on individual needs. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel damage. If using at-home whitening products, follow the instructions carefully and avoid excessive use. Regular touch-ups can help maintain a bright smile without overdoing it.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, or veneers?

Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and does not affect dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you have dental work on your front teeth, whitening treatments may cause an uneven color between your natural teeth and restorations. Your dentist can help determine the best solution, such as replacing older restorations to match your whitened teeth.

What is the best way to maintain a white smile after whitening?

To maintain a bright smile, practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that are stain-causing, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. Regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-up whitening treatments can help keep your teeth looking their best. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help maintain results over time.

Call Dr. Raymond Ribitch Today

If you want a whiter and brighter smile, call Dr. Ribitch to discuss teeth whitening treatment at 989.200.3896 or schedule an appointment on our website. Dr. Ribitch will work with you in his Mount Pleasant, MI dental office to provide the most comfortable and comprehensive care possible. Feel free to ask Dr. Ribitch any remaining questions you may have. He will be happy to help.