Teeth Whitening in Denver, CO

Our smiles impact how others perceive us, shaping first impressions and ongoing interactions. Numerous studies reveal that individuals with white, radiant smiles are often viewed more positively in social situations. People tend to associate bright, well-maintained teeth with good health, confidence, and attractiveness. Conversely, dull or discolored teeth can lead to negative judgments, impacting social interactions and self-esteem. This societal preference for white teeth underscores the importance of effective, affordable, and efficient teeth whitening options. At Donald Rice, DDS, Dr. Rice offers take-home whitening kits to help you achieve your smile goals.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

In a world where first impressions matter, maintaining a bright smile can be a powerful tool for social success. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to keep our smiles white when there are so many stain-causing culprits.

In general, there are two types of stains. 

Extrinsic Staining

Over time, discoloration occurs on your enamel due to exposure to staining substances, like certain foods and beverages. This type of stain is extrinsic, as it affects the outer layers of your teeth.

Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and sauces all contain chromogens, which are pigmented compounds that attach to the enamel. The tannins in tea and red wine also help the color compounds adhere to the tooth’s surface, darkening its color. 

Additionally, tobacco products (whether smoked or chewed) contain tar and nicotine. When combined with oxygen, nicotine turns yellow and deeply penetrates the enamel, leading to persistent discoloration. Regular exposure to these substances leads to noticeable and lasting stains on your teeth.

Intrinsic Staning

While maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine helps protect against extrinsic stains, other factors can cause the teeth to stain from the inside.

Intrinsic staining affects the layer beneath the enamel, making your teeth look discolored due to your enamel’s semi-translucence. Causes of intrinsic stains include injuries to the teeth, certain medications, excessive fluoride exposure, medical conditions, and genetic factors. While these stains are tougher to address, Dr. Rice has tools to help you love your smile again!

Teeth Whitening at Donald Rice, DDS

There are many teeth whitening options available to patients looking to brighten their smiles. But at Donald Rice, DDS, Dr. Rice believes that a professional touch is essential for achieving the best possible results. Unlike store-bought kits, he provides you with a custom-made tray that fits your teeth like a glove fits a hand.

With the one-size-fits-all whitening trays most kits use, patients often experience a burning sensation in their gums. Whitening trays, when not custom-fitted to your smile, allow the bleaching gel to splash up onto your gums, irritating the soft tissue.

In the worst cases, this can cause painful chemical burns that make your gum tissue inflamed and sore. Typically, the irritation will go away in a few days. However, if it doesn’t improve, you may need to visit Dr. Rice for an emergency appointment!

Fortunately, with the custom trays that Dr. Rice makes in-house, he can provide a more comfortable and effective whitening solution that you can perform in the comfort of your own home.

To begin your whitening treatment, you’ll need to come into the office so he can take impressions of your smile. Then, using this mold of your smile, Dr. Rice will craft a tray that fits your teeth perfectly! Once your custom tray is ready, he’ll send you home with whitening gel, your trays, and instructions.

It’s essential to follow these directions carefully, taking care to protect your gum tissue and apply the gel evenly across your tray. Then, gently place the tray over your teeth to begin the whitening process!

While the wear times depend on your specific concentration, follow the treatment plan outlined by Dr. Rice for the best outcome. Once you’re done, rinse off your tray and avoid consuming food or drinks that may stain your teeth for at least 24 hours.

Permanent Teeth Whitening With Veneers

Some stains are so stubborn that they are difficult to diminish, even with professional teeth whitening. Dental veneers provide permanent teeth whitening, concealing discolored teeth and other flaws like cracks, chips, gaps, and more. With veneers, you can design the size, shape, and color of your teeth to achieve your perfect smile.

Dr. Rice will cement these thin shells onto the outer surface of your teeth, transforming your smile in just a few visits. While veneers are a remarkable cosmetic dentistry option, it’s important to know that the procedure is irreversible, as he must remove a small layer of your enamel to ensure the veneers sit flush.

Achieve a Brighter Smile With Dr. Rice in Denver, CO

No one should settle for a smile they don’t love! At Donald Rice, DDS, Dr. Rice provides compassionate guidance, expert cosmetic dentistry, and personalized care in a welcoming environment. If you’ve noticed that your teeth have lost their luster, it’s time to consider professional teeth whitening.

Contact Dr. Rice today to book a consultation to learn more about our whitening services.

Frequently Asked Questions