4 Ways to Go From Yellow to Perfect White Teeth

If you brush properly twice a day, floss regularly and visit United Smiles on schedule, you should have clean, healthy teeth and gums, though that does not always mean they will be as white as you would like.

Plaque only needs a day or two to harden into tartar, a yellowish substance that stains teeth and can only be removed by a dental hygienist. Plaque can also trap food particles that add to staining.

Most common causes of yellowing

• Food and drink: coffee, tea and red wine contain tannins that leave stains; surprisingly, so can apples and potatoes.
• Tobacco use: nicotine and tar can yellow teeth quickly.
• Age: teeth naturally yellow as the outer enamel wears away, revealing the yellowish dentin layer underneath.
• Genetics: some people have brighter or thicker enamel due to DNA.
• Medications: tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent stains, and some antihistamines, antipsychotics and blood pressure medications can also cause yellowing. Tell your dentist about any medications you take.

Treating discoloured or yellow teeth

There are four general approaches to discoloured or yellow teeth: cleaning, tooth whitening, dental veneers and dental crowns.

Cleaning: a professional clean at United Smiles brings better, safer results than at-home treatments.

Tooth whitening: many over-the-counter products are available, but bleach in inexperienced hands can damage enamel. We offer 1 hour in-chair Zoom! whitening, which can brighten your smile by an average of eight shades in 45 minutes, and take-home whitening systems using a custom tray.

Dental veneers: thin porcelain shells fitted over the front surface of a tooth, suitable where enamel has worn enough to show yellow dentine underneath, for front teeth only.

Dental crowns: a porcelain-fused cap placed over the natural tooth, the best option for very heavily stained or eroded teeth with other defects.

United Smiles is conveniently located in the heart of Mernda Village, serving patients from all Melbourne areas, with ample parking at the rear and wheelchair access at the front.

Our teeth whitening specials

No gap take home whitening for Medibank Private Basic 70, Basic 85 and Top Extra Cover. Other insurance or no insurance: $290 for take home whitening, valued at $400. $500 for Zoom whitening, valued at $750, plus $50 cash back from Philips.