Dr. Judy Sturm and Associates have been providing quality general and cosmetic dentistry services in the Bay Bloor/Yorkville neighbourhood of downtown Toronto for over 25 years.
SO LONG STAINS!
Looking inside the matter
There’s new hope for stained and discolored teeth. Most people know that for teeth that have lost their brightness due to smoking and consuming tooth-staining foods like berries, red wine, coffee, and tea, they can have their teeth whitened in the convenience of their home using our take-home kit. This is called extrinsic staining because the cause is external – from the outside of the tooth.
But what many people don’t know is that we have the means right here at our practice to whiten teeth that have been discolored because of intrinsic influences – those that affect the tooth color from inside. We call this technique “deep bleaching.”
What would discolor a tooth from the inside? Fluorosis is caused by excessive intake of fluorine (fluoride) while teeth were developing, characterized by brown pigmentation or enamel that is flat gray or that has white mottling or spots. Root canal treatment in which diseased pulp from inside a tooth is removed and the cavity is filled, can be characterized by dark discoloration. Medicines can cause discoloration on many levels from light yellow to brown or gray, often with “banding.”
Most of us have smiles that could use a whitening boost. If you’re one, no matter the origin of discoloration, call us! We will help you choose which whitening technique is best for you.
TEETH WHITENING Q&A
We can help you decide what option is best for you!
Convenient, reliable teeth whitening can dramatically improve your smile. That’s why more than ten million North Americans will get their teeth whitened this year. Here are the answers to some common questions you may have about this popular procedure.
What is teeth whitening? It is a procedure designed to remove stains and discoloration and lighten teeth pigmentation. Teeth whitening can be done safely, quickly, reliably and with predictability with our supervision.
Are teeth whitening procedures safe? Absolutely. After more than 100 years of refinement and improvement, supervised whitening is a common procedure. Some individuals may experience mild temporary tooth sensitivity.
How white can I expect my teeth to look? Whiteness depends on the degree of discoloration. Most people can expect to bump up a few shades; some people with very stained teeth can brighten up to eight. We’ll help you decide on the best level that’s most natural for your skin tone and smile.
Is there such a thing as being too young or too old for whitening? After childhood, age is not a factor and most people can benefit from whitening.