I take great care of my teeth: why are they discolored?
Teeth get discolored for many reasons, not all of them preventable.  Most commonly, your teeth get stained if you drink staining beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, or red wine.  Smoking also leads to an unsightly, often uneven, discoloration of your teeth.  But teeth can also be discolored by tetracycline and other medications.  Finally, our genetics play a big role.  Some people have naturally brighter and whiter enamel than others.

Is professional tooth whitening that much better than over-the-counter remedies?
Yes.  At our office, we custom-design the trays that apply the whitening gel to your teeth.  The trays supplied with over the counter tooth whitening agents are a poor fit for your teeth, meaning that the whitening gel doesn't contact your teeth the way it should to achieve best results. 

Should I use a tooth-whitening toothpaste?
Sometimes, whitening toothpastes can make your teeth less white.  This is because they depend on mild abrasives that sand off your tooth enamel.  If your enamel is thin, this will make your teeth look yellow as it allows the yellow dentin within to become visible.

How white can my teeth become?
Whitening is determined by as many factors as discoloration.  It's impossible to know just how deeply imbedded is the discoloration, not to mention how white your tooth enamel is to begin with.  If your enamel is not that white, tooth whitening might not be your best option.  To achieve optimal results, you may want to consider Porcelain Veneers.

How long will tooth whitening last?
This depends.  Coffee and wine drinkers and smokers will find shorter-lasting results.  But with proper care such as brushing and flossing and regular check-ups, the whiteness of your teeth can last for years.

Please call or email us at bouldersmiles today to set up an initial consultation, the first step on the way to a whiter smile.