Tips for Maintaining the Results of Teeth Whitening

Are you smiling a little less revealingly because you’ve noticed your teeth are stained and discolored? It happens to many people, even those who have good dental hygiene habits.  Teeth whitening might just be the perfect solution to restore your smile’s old sparkle.

Dr. Brian LaBombard at Airport Dental Care in Austin, Texas, and his team whiten teeth using GLO™ Science whitening techniques. In this blog, Dr. LaBombard explains why teeth get discolored, how you can whiten them, and how you can keep them white.

Why do teeth become discolored?

The top cause of yellowing is how old you are because as you age, your enamel wears down. And as your enamel wears down, your dentin — which is yellow — shows through more and more. Other causes of discoloration include:

• Drinking coffee, tea, and wine
• Smoking
• Using certain antibiotics
• Using too much fluoride
• Tooth injury

Options for removing tooth discoloration

There are whitening toothpastes and whitening kits on the market, but in-office whitening treatments are by far the most effective. Dr. LaBombard has seen great success with GLO Science. G.L.O. stands for guided light optics, and the essence of the GLO system is a specially designed mouthpiece that combines light with warming heat. The hygienist starts the procedure by placing the GLO professional whitening gel in the mouthpiece and then puts the appliance in your mouth. After a few minutes, the mouthpiece is removed so the assistant can check the results.

Before you undergo any treatment, Dr. LaBombard will discuss your whitening goals and create a customized treatment plan. 

How can I ensure that my newly whitened teeth stay white?

There are several things you can do and some things you should avoid to keep your pearly whites their pearliest:

• Make sure you brush, floss, and use a mouth rinse daily
• Limit your consumption of food and drinks that stain, such as black tea, coffee, and blueberries
• Avoid sodas and sports drinks
• Eat acidic foods in moderation, and rinse after consumption when you do
• Continue to visit your dentist regularly

When you care for your whitened teeth properly, you can expect to enjoy your bright smile for several years. And if you find your teeth getting stained, we can give you products to touch up your teeth at home. Just schedule an appointment; call Dr. LaBombard at 512-668-9912 or schedule an appointment online.