Reclaim Your Smile With Teeth Whitening In Edwardsville, IL

Better smile with teeth whitening

Brighten your smile by whitening your teeth.

Over time, the brightness of your teeth can yellow and your smile can dim, thanks to stains from food and drink, or just regular wear and tear. If you want to make your smile whiter and more dazzling, Dr. Hite and his team at Hite Family Dentistry offer teeth whitening solutions that can be done in the office or in the privacy of your own home.

What causes teeth to lose their luster?

As we get older, our teeth naturally lose their luster and shine due to normal wear and tear, which allows the yellow dentin underneath to show through. Foods and drinks can speed up that process due to staining

There are two types of stains: extrinsic and intrinsic tooth stains. Extrinsic stains are those on the surface of your teeth, and are often caused by foods and drinks. An intrinsic tooth stain is one that is below the surface of the tooth and accumulates on the dentin of the tooth. 

Intrinsic tooth stains are harder to remove than extrinsic tooth stains. Excessive fluoride use as a child is one reason for intrinsic tooth stains.

Drinks like coffee, dark soda, and red wine can stain teeth because of the tannins that are in them. Fruits and vegetables that are dark or bright in color (think berries, tomatoes, and beetroot) can also contribute to stains on teeth.

If you are a smoker or tobacco user, be aware that tobacco products can also cause teeth to stain over time, which is another reason to consider quitting smoking if you are a tobacco user.

Certain health conditions or medical treatments can also contribute to the dulling of your tooth color. Chemotherapy is known to discolor teeth, and the use of certain blood pressure medications can cause staining in teeth.

What teeth whitening options does Hite Family Dentistry offer?

At Hite Family Dentistry, we offer an at-home tooth whitening solution to reverse discoloration in the comfort and convenience of your own home. The treatment uses custom-fitted trays that come with a professional whitening solution. You can wear the trays at home during your own time. With the at-home treatment, you need to wear the trays daily for about an hour. Many patients notice a brighter smile in just a week, while most patients say they see full results after 14 days.

Why use professional teeth whitening solutions?

While there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options sold at your local grocery or drug store, the problem with these products is that they are not tailored specifically for your personal situation. A professional teeth whitening treatment from Dr. Hite’s office is tailored specifically to your needs, meaning Dr. Hite and his team can help you achieve the exact results you want in the brightness of your teeth. Dr. Hite can also point out if you have intrinsic or extrinsic staining, and is able to customize your tooth whitening treatment plan to address those types of stains.

In a study done by scientists in 2014, do-it-yourself teeth whitening treatments, like those that are bought over the counter, were shown to be not nearly as efficient in whitening teeth as the treatments you get from your dentist. While an inexpensive over-the-counter whitening treatment can seem like something to try, you should see the team at Hite Family Dentistry for a professional evaluation, where the team can come up with a professional tooth whitening treatment plan, tailored exactly for you and your teeth whitening goals.

Visit the team at Hite Family Dentistry for all your dental needs.

If you are looking for the best dentist in Edwardsville, Illinois, look no further than Hite Family Dentistry. Dr. Hite and his team offer the best in family dental care, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry. If you haven’t seen us in a while, call today to book your bi-annual appointment. We are here to ensure you have a dazzling, white smile, as well as an overall healthy mouth!