Regular dental visits, brushing, and flossing are all good habits that ensure you maintain a healthy smile. However, even those who are diligent about caring for their teeth experience staining or discoloration over time, especially if they smoke or enjoy coffee and red wine. If you are concerned about keeping the enamel pearly white, the team at Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, recommend teeth whitening treatment. To give you a sense of what it is and what’s involved, they offer some details about the process.

What Is Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains from the enamel. The cosmetic solution usually requires three or four dental visits to complete and can be continued at home with a dentist’s approval. Depending on a patient’s dental hygiene and eating habits, their brighter smile could potentially last for three years. 

Before deciding if the treatment is right for you, it’s helpful to know the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic tooth discoloration. The first is caused by drinking stain-causing beverages like coffee and wine. The latter, on the other hand, refers to yellowing that occurs beneath the enamel and is caused by trauma or excessive fluoride exposure. 

What Type Is Right for You?

After determining the cause of your issue, the dentist will discuss whether vital or non-vital whitening is the best choice. If you have extrinsic discoloration, they will most likely recommend vital whitening. During this simple procedure, the dentist puts a whitening gel on the enamel and uses a light to activate it. Non-vital whitening is a bit more complicated, as the process involves placing the gel inside the tooth. The method is recommended for people who have yellowing teeth and gone through root canal treatments.

Are you interested in teeth whitening treatment? The friendly team at Family First Dentistry use the leading tools and methods to restore brilliance to your smile. They offer patients a comfortable environment and ensure your experience is as smooth and easy as possible. To set up an appointment to discuss your condition, reach out online or call today at (907) 562-2820.