What makes a smile beautiful? When patients are asked this question, their first response is often “bright, white, and clean teeth.” While our teeth are designed to last a lifetime, they can change in their appearance over time. Not only can yellowing and discoloration be caused by aging, but it can also result from eating and drinking certain foods and beverages that can stain the natural tooth enamel. Coffee, red wine, and teas are commonly known to discolor natural tooth enamel.
Though many drugstores offer a wide selection of teeth whitening treatments such as take-home trays, strips, and toothpastes, many of these fall short of providing the results patients really want. At the practice of Dr. Steven E. Holbrook in Albuquerque, NM, patients can find solutions that work for them and offer more dramatic results!
- Professional whitening – First and foremost, patients seeking whitening solutions that provide immediate results are welcome to ask our team about professional teeth whitening options. Our practice proudly uses Opalescence teeth whitening products which are used in the privacy of one’s home. Patients whiten their teeth using specialized bleaching gels and whitening trays, wearing them as needed to boost the brilliance and natural beauty of their smiles.
- Lifestyle changes – In-between whitening products, patients should also pay close attention to what they are consuming that is contributing to the discoloration of the natural tooth enamel. Many beverages are known to contribute to discoloration, including coffees, red wines, and teas. Patients should also avoid smoking cigarettes which may also dull the enamel and it’s natural beauty.
- Medication concerns – Some patients experience staining due to certain medications they may take. One of the most problematic medications for this is tetracycline, which is an antibiotics with a side effect of tooth discoloration. Patients may want to talk to their primary care provider to determine if an alternative can be used to avoid further impact to the teeth.
Albuquerque, NM patients ready to work with a team of professionals to learn more about maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile are encouraged to book an appointment at our practice by calling (505) 881-1159.