Teeth Whitening
Johns Creek / Cumming, GA

Your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. Moreover, when you smile, your teeth become one of the most prominent features. Tooth enamel is naturally white in color. However, there are many factors that can dull the brightness of your teeth, which then dulls your smile and impacts your confidence. If your teeth have become dull and discolored, North Atlanta Family Dentistry can help to enhance your smile with whitening.

What Causes Discoloration?

There are many different reasons why your teeth might become dull and discolored. Causes include

•	What you eat and drink.
•	Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
•	Certain types of medications, such as doxycycline and tetracycline.
•	Age.

What Is Whitening?

When your teeth are dull and discolored, it not only affects your smile but your confidence as well. It can also affect how others see you, and can even cause people to get the wrong impression about you. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment that we provide to eliminate stains from the surfaces of your teeth, restoring their natural, dazzling white color and enhancing the beauty of your smile.

Options for Whitening

You may have noticed that there are numerous whitening options in the oral care aisle of your local store. Many of these products promise incredible results is a very short period. However, these over the counter products contain low levels of bleaching agents. It can take many weeks before you even see a slight difference. While they can be helpful for minor surface stains, they often cannot help people to achieve the drastic results they desire.

You have two options for professional whitening. One of these options is chairside whitening. This is an in-office procedure that is completed in a single visit and requires only about an hour of your time. After cleaning your teeth, a bleaching agent is applied to the surfaces of your teeth. A lip retractor helps to protect your lips and cheeks, while a special application to your gums helps to protect the delicate soft tissue. A light is shone over your mouth. The active ingredients break down, forming small oxygen bubbles that enter into your enamel. They cling to stains and bleach them away. The light functions to enhance the results. The results of your treatment are noticeable immediately after your treatment.

Your other option is whitening trays. With this treatment, you are provided with custom created trays and a bleaching agent, enabling you to whiten your teeth at home on your own time. The trays are meant to be worn twice a day for a few hours each time or overnight as you sleep. Treatment can take one to two weeks depending upon the severity of your discoloration and your goals. The results are typically noticeable in just under a week.

Is Whitening Safe?

Whitening is both very safe and very effective. The biggest issue caused by whitening is tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is only temporary and disappears once your treatment time is complete. If it is bothersome, a specially formulated toothpaste for sensitivity can help.

How Do I Make the Results Last?

While effective, whitening is not permanent. Over time, your teeth can become discolored again. There are a few things that you can do to help the results last.

•	Brush and floss your teeth regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned by us twice a year.
•	Limit foods and beverages that can cause staining.
•	Drink plenty of water, especially following foods that can stain.
•	Quit smoking or using other forms of tobacco.
•	Have regular touch-ups. Routine touch-ups can help to ensure that your smile remains dazzling.

Professional whitening can restore the natural brightness of your teeth, enhancing the beauty of your smile and boosting your confidence. Call North Atlanta Family Dentistry at (470) 387-0500 today to schedule your consultation and find out if whitening is right for you.