Does Teeth Whitening Remove Stains?
May 31, 2018
Having stained teeth, while normally not a sign of anything serious, can be damaging to your self-confidence. It can be hard to navigate all of the different whitening options out there, so we’ll address how teeth whitening works and whether or not it stands up to stains.
How Teeth Become Stained
There are quite a few reasons why you may have stained teeth. Stained teeth occur when enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, wears down either due to exposure to acid or due to trauma. This means that your teeth can become stained because of your diet (a diet rich in sugar and acid promotes staining, as well as eating or drinking dark foods like berries, coffee, or wine), taking certain medications, or grinding your teeth. You can even see stains if you expose your teeth to excessive fluoride or if you take some antibiotics like tetracyclines.
About Teeth Whitening
There are a few different types of teeth whitening treatments out there, from strips to toothpastes to professional treatments.
Over-the-Counter & DIY Whitening Options
Some people choose to experiment with non-bleaching types of whitening methods, such as using whitening toothpastes, whitening mouthwash, activated charcoal, or baking soda. While these methods may be somewhat effective, they are only good at lifting superficial surface stains, and we don’t recommend them for whitening older or deeper stains, like bleaching methods can. Because materials like activated charcoal and baking soda are abrasive, they may end up damaging your teeth enamel and cause your teeth to look yellower.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options at Peak Dentistry
In-office and custom take-home whitening both use high concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to safely bleach your teeth. At Peak Dentistry, we offer in-office whitening for those who want to see more immediate results and let dental professionals handle the entire procedure. Alternatively, we also offer custom take-home whitening trays so that you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. We will take impressions of your teeth so you can have custom-fitted whitening trays and send you home with thorough instructions so you’ll know exactly what to do. Bear in mind that even if you do opt for in-office or custom take-home whitening, you will still need to do your part to maintain your newly brightened smile by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day!
We Can Safely Brighten Your Smile!
In short, teeth whitening can absolutely remove stains. That’s what it is designed to do! It all depends on the type of teeth whitening you prefer. At Peak Dentistry, we’re happy to discuss which type of whitening is best for your situation and your budget so you can get the results that you deserve. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
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We're proud to provide care that makes a lasting impact, and our patients' experiences reflect that commitment. Hear from the families who trust Peak Dentistry with their smiles.
I don’t normally take the time to write reviews, but Peak Dentistry deserves recognition. My husband and I have been so fortunate to be a part of this practice for 10 years driving 2-1/2 hours each way to make our appointments. Drs. Joe and Gabrielle Ramellini, as well as their staff, have provided a level of dental care that reflects their expertise in the work they do that sets them apart as very unique and special. We highly recommend Peak Dentistry to anyone who is interested in quality care you can trust with a personal touch.
Absolutely love the people in this office. Very professional.
New patient visit. Office was beautiful, the treatment was 1st rate in every sense, and I was so impressed with all the latest technology.
The entire staff at Peak Dentistry is amazing, but I would like to highlight my hygienist, Missy, in particular. I went in for a regular teeth cleaning and didn't necessarily expect to be "wowed" but Missy took such care and attention to detail that I walked out of there with the pearliest whites I have ever had. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful white smile, Missy!