Teeth Whitening in Mesa, AZ

What Causes Stained or Discolored Teeth?

Teeth can change color because of pigments that collect on the enamel or changes that occur within the tooth. Identifying the likely cause helps the dentist estimate how the discoloration may respond to teeth bleaching.

Common causes include:

• Coffee and tea: Dark pigments can collect on the enamel, particularly with frequent consumption.

• Red wine: Pigments and acids in wine can contribute to surface staining.

• Tobacco: Smoking and other tobacco use can leave yellow or brown stains.

• Aging: Enamel becomes thinner over time, allowing more of the naturally yellow dentin underneath to show.

• Certain foods: Berries, dark sauces, and other strongly pigmented foods may affect tooth color.

• Medications: Some medicines can cause internal discoloration that may not respond predictably to external whitening.

• Dental injuries: Trauma may cause one tooth to darken from within.

• Existing dental work: Fillings, crowns, bonding, and veneers retain their original shade while natural teeth become lighter.

A dental examination can distinguish routine surface stains from discoloration that may benefit from another cosmetic approach.

How Does Professional Whitening Work?

Whitening products commonly contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients pass through the enamel and break colored compounds into smaller components, making stains appear less concentrated.

At Generational Dentistry, the in-office smile whitening process generally includes the following steps:

Dental Evaluation and Shade Assessment

Dr. Josephson examines your teeth and gums and reviews any sensitivity, dental work, or oral health concerns. The team may document your starting tooth shade so you can compare it with the result.

Preparing Your Mouth

Before applying the whitening material, we protect your gums, lips, and nearby soft tissues. This preparation keeps the whitening agent concentrated on the intended surfaces.

Applying the Whitening Gel

The gel is carefully placed on the visible surfaces of the teeth. Depending on the whitening system and your needs, it may remain in place for a set period or be reapplied during the appointment. A light may be used when appropriate for the selected system.

Evaluating Your Results

An in-office appointment generally takes about an hour. We evaluate the new shade and provide instructions for managing temporary sensitivity and protecting the result. The amount of change depends on your original tooth color, enamel characteristics, type of stain, and response to the whitening material.

How to Maintain Your Whitening Results

Whitening results gradually fade as teeth come into contact with pigments from foods, drinks, and tobacco. How long your results remain visible depends on your diet, oral hygiene, and daily habits.

These steps can help maintain your brighter smile:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day.

• Attend routine dental examinations and professional cleanings.

• Limit frequent coffee, tea, red wine, and other darkly pigmented drinks.

• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages.

• Use a straw for cold, dark-colored drinks when practical.

• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.

• Follow the dietary and sensitivity instructions provided after your appointment.

• Ask the dentist when a touch-up appointment may be appropriate.

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Follow the dietary guidance provided after your appointment, which may include limiting darkly pigmented foods and beverages for the first day or two. Choosing lighter-colored options may help maintain the initial result. Avoid repeated bleaching without dental guidance, as excessive use may contribute to sensitivity or gum irritation.