Teeth Whitening
Your smile is one of the first things a person will notice when you meet. If you have stained, dull, or discolored teeth, teeth whitening may be a great option for you.
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to brighten your smile. You can look younger and feel more confident with a whiter smile.
Causes of Stained Teeth
Even healthy teeth discolor over time. The main causes of stained teeth are genetics, antibiotics, tobacco, and certain foods. As we age, our teeth darken as well.
Too much fluoride can also lead to a condition called fluorosis. This creates stains inside the tooth, which you can't treat with topical whitening. Instead, Dr. Nichols may recommend veneers or crowns.
Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Each patient is different. This is why we recommend that you schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist. Before recommending whitening, Dr. Nichols will carefully evaluate your smile.
Your teeth and gums must be healthy enough for whitening. Otherwise, the procedure may cause tooth sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Keep in mind that you'll need to practice good dental hygiene at home to maintain your white smile. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.
We may recommend also using a fluoride mouth rinse if we find a lot of plaque during your next appointment. Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel. This increases its resistance to acid attacks from plaque.
You should also continue seeing our dentist at least every six months for your dental exam and cleaning. That way, we're able to help prevent oral health issues or stop existing issues from worsening.
Taking care of your oral health will help you maintain a healthy, attractive smile. That way, you'll be able to continue smiling with confidence.
Request an Appointment With Us
Dr. Michael Nichols is a teeth whitening dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. As such, he'd be more than happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! To request an appointment, call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. We hope we hear from you soon!