Teeth Whitening in Tyler, TX

More and more people today are choosing teeth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Tooth whitening procedures have effectively restored the smiles of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. For professional, effective teeth whitening treatment in Tyler, TX, please contact our dental office for more information.

Why Do Teeth Get Stained?

Why Do Teeth Get Stained?

The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco.

Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.

One type of tooth stain caused by traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis, actually begins inside the tooth. In this case, brushing and flossing don’t help. Another type of stain to teeth, one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing, is caused by external factors such as foods.

Do Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work?

Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth's enamel.

Tooth whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but are only effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products are not effective on dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings. (Porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case.)

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional whitening performed by our Tyler, TX family dentist office is considered to be the most effective and safest method, with minimal to no sensitivity.

We offer three levels of whitening and Dr. O'Neal will determine which level will work best for your specific dental condition.

Level 1 (take-home trays for night-time bleaching) is very effective for teenagers and adults whose teeth bleach easily. For heavier, deeper staining, Level 2 (in-office bleaching) is needed in combination with take-home bleaching trays. For patients with Tetracycline staining or those wanting "super white" teeth, Level 3 KOR bleaching is indicated (a combination of take-home bleaching trays and deep in-office bleaching).

If you have any questions about teeth whitening treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, call Steven M. O'Neal Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Tyler, TX at (903) 561-0533 today!