Help! My Teeth are Yellow

So, you looked in the mirror and realized your teeth are yellow. You tried to brush them, really brush them, but it didn’t make much difference. 

What can you do? Is there any hope that your teeth can be sparkling white again? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone — teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedures.

The short answer is yes! At Portrait Dental, our expert team knows exactly how to brighten your teeth so you can have your smile — and your confidence — back. Here’s how we can help.

What makes teeth yellow?

Over time, the whiteness of your teeth fades and becomes more yellow as the outer enamel layer of your teeth chips and flakes away simply from the accumulated wear and tear it experiences. The inner part of your teeth is called dentin, and it’s naturally yellow, so as the enamel fades away, the dentin shines through more and more.

Your teeth may also have become yellow or stained if you use tobacco, drink dark-colored beverages such as coffee or wine, eat a lot of pasta sauce or blueberries, or if you just have poor oral hygiene. 

What types of teeth whitening are available?

The best way to improve the color of your teeth is usually through a professional teeth-whitening procedure that uses medical-grade bleaching solutions to get rid of the stains and improve the whiteness. (Over-the-counter kits are usually less effective.)

At Portrait Dental, Dr. Minh Nguyen offers two types of teeth whitening. Both types use the Phillips Zoom! Whitening system. The only difference is whether you want to have the procedure done in the office or if you want to do it at home over a few nights.

If you want your teeth to become eight shades whiter in about an hour, Dr. Nguyen will cover your tongue and gums, paint a bleaching solution on each tooth, and then use a laser to trigger a chemical bleaching reaction. He’ll repeat this process three or four times for maximum effect.

If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you’ll wear a gel on your teeth for several hours three nights in a row. Dr. Nguyen will give you specific instructions based on your individual situation. For most people, their teeth will become about six shades whiter after this treatment.

Other options

In some cases, the stains on your teeth may be too severe for whitening treatments to have much effect. Crowns or porcelain veneers to cover the stains may be better treatment options in these cases.

If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened professionally, contact Portrait Dental by calling our office or filling out the appointment request form on our website. We can’t wait to see your sparkling white smile!