Teeth Whitening in Gulfport, MS

Many people wish that their teeth were a little bit whiter. In fact, this is the most common feature that people want to change about their smile. 

There is a significant demand for teeth whitening products, and many commercial solutions are available, like toothpaste, mouth rinses, and whitening strips. 

These products all claim they will brighten your smile, but nothing offers the effectiveness and customization of professional in-office whitening treatment. If you have discolored teeth that could use a little more sparkle, contact the Centre for Smile Designs for in-office treatments to enhance your gorgeous smile. 

What Causes Tooth Staining?  

Tooth discoloration can be due to extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related staining. 

Extrinsic Staining 

Extrinsic staining is a superficial discoloration that affects the outer layer of tooth structure, the enamel. A substance outside your body causes these stains. They appear when your teeth come into contact with this material. Some substances that cause extrinsic stains include:

• Colorful vegetables and fruits, like blueberries 
• Coffee, tea, dark sodas, and red wine 
• Tobacco products

This form of staining is not permanent, but removing extrinsic stains through regular brushing is difficult. 

Intrinsic Staining 

Intrinsic staining affects the dentin, which is the tooth’s inner layer. Although a thin layer of enamel covers the dentin, discolored inner layers can change the tooth’s outer appearance. 

An intrinsic stain is often caused by trauma, medication, or overexposure to fluoride. These stains are more difficult to treat than extrinsic stains and do not respond to whitening products. The best options for addressing intrinsic tooth stains are dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding. 

Age-Related Staining 

Age-related stains are a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic staining. Dentin becomes yellow as you age, and tooth enamel becomes thinner. Since the dentin is more apparent, your teeth might develop a yellow hue. 

When intrinsic and extrinsic stains combine, like age-related concerns combined with years of drinking coffee, even healthy teeth will appear discolored.

What Is in Bleaching Products? 

Although teeth whiteners are called bleaching products, they are not made with regular bleach. When you purchase a teeth whitening agent, you’re buying a material that contains peroxide as the active ingredient. Typically, hydrogen and carbamide peroxide work together to give you brighter results.

Bleaching products offered at dental offices are much stronger than anything purchased in a store. These whitening agents may have as much as 35% to 45% peroxide, compared to a commercial whitening kit, which may have about 7%. 

Other professional and commercial whitening ingredients may include Carbopol, glycerin, sodium hydroxide, and added flavorings.

Adverse Reactions to Whitening Products 

Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic procedure that delivers exceptional results. However, some people experience minor side effects. 

Sensitivity 

Many patients experience some sensitivity while using whitening products. This sensitivity may occur after one or two treatments but should decrease with time. You can treat sensitivity with potassium nitrate products, like Sensodyne toothpaste. 

Gum Irritation 

If the whitening gel comes into direct contact with your gum tissue, it could cause the tissues to become irritated. This irritation typically goes away a few hours after completing the treatment. 

Types of Teeth Whitening

Today’s smile-obsessed world offers consumers many options for getting whiter teeth. Some of them must be administered by a dentist, and some you can buy at your local drugstore. 

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products 

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be purchased at your local drugstore near the toothpaste section. You’ll find numerous options that range from whitening toothpastes and rinses to strips and gels that you apply directly to your teeth. 

One of the most popular whitening strips contains 4% peroxide and can improve your tooth color by about two to three shades. 

Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits  

At the Centre for Smile Designs, John Hopkins, DDS, can create custom bleaching trays for you to wear at home. When you apply the bleaching treatment, you will place a gel solution into each tray. This gel contains between 10% and 15% peroxide and can result in teeth up to eight shades whiter.

How long it takes to reach your desired results depends on the type of solution provided. 

In-Office Teeth Whitening 

Dr. Hopkins can whiten teeth using a concentrated peroxide solution of approximately 35%. You may see results as dramatic as 12 to 14 shades brighter with one treatment. 

Why You Should Choose In-Office Treatments

An in-office teeth whitening treatment is the fastest and most effective way to brighten your smile. At the Centre for Smile Designs, Dr. Hopkins uses KöR teeth whitening, which can lighten the shade of your teeth 10 times more than other systems. 

KöR uses a unique dual-activated tri-barrel hydremide peroxide gel that is continuously refrigerated during manufacturing, while on the delivery truck, and until it gets applied to your teeth. The refrigeration helps the gel retain its effectiveness and potency. 

Benefits of Using KöR Whitening Treatments 

KöR whitening products come with numerous benefits. They can be used with other smile makeover treatments, such as Invisalign. Most patients who use KöR products experience minimal sensitivity and discomfort. 

You should notice results almost immediately after KöR treatment, and they will be long-lasting. You may need additional in-office treatment to enhance your results, but your teeth may stay white for several years with routine dental care.   

What to Expect During Your In-Office Treatment 

At the beginning of your treatment, Dr. Hopkins will determine the existing shade of your teeth and discuss how many shades lighter you desire. Your teeth will be polished to remove any debris that could inhibit the active ingredients in the whitening agent.

Once your teeth are cleaned, barriers and cotton rolls will be placed to protect your mouth and keep your teeth dry. Dr. Hopkins will apply the whitening solution, which takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to work. After the time is up, we will rinse your mouth and assess your new shade. 

Your Bright Smile Is on Its Way 

Dr. Hopkins has over 40 years of comprehensive patient care experience. Your family can have all their dental needs addressed under one roof — including tooth whitening and other cosmetic treatments. Contact the Centre for Smile Designs to learn more about our KöR whitening treatments and get a brighter smile you’ll love.