Reasons For Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures asked about. We understand that having a confident smile is key for your self-confidence. People get their teeth whitened for a number of reasons. Whether it is to boost your self-confidence or if you have a special event coming up, a whiter smile can help. Reasons for whitening your teeth include:
Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a number of reasons, such as plaque, oral health concerns or stains from pigmented foods and beverages. Discoloration can result in an unsightly smile and teeth whitening is the perfect solution.
Reduce The Effects Of Aging
As you age, your tooth enamel will begin to wear down making it easier for tooth discoloration or oral health complications to occur. They can begin to look dull and unhealthy.
Fluorosis
This is excessive fluoridation during tooth development. It causes teeth to appear with stains ranging from yellow to brown.
Fast And Easy Results
Both in-office and at-home whitening kits are quick and easy. Our specialists will help you every step of the way to ensure a bright new smile.
In-Office Bleaching
Our in-office bleaching technique normally requires one office visit to complete. Before the whitening procedure begins, the dentist will examine your teeth to ensure there is no decay or gum recession present. If there is decay or gum recession present, the whitening process may make your teeth sensitive. Once the examination is complete, the dentist will thoroughly clean your mouth out of any bacteria, food, and plaque that build-up on or between your teeth.
Now that the teeth are prepared for the whitening process, the next step requires applying a protective layer on your gums to prevent the whitening gel from harming your gums. The whitening gel is then applied to the enamel of your teeth. The whitening gel contains some form of hydrogen peroxide that gently bleaches but does not harm the tooth. Once the gel is applied all that is left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a television show or movie of your choosing.
In-office bleaching offers many advantages to the patient including:
- Faster results
- It is the safest form of bleaching
- Gum and tooth sensitivity are more controllable because of thicker peroxide gels that are used during the procedure
At-Home Bleaching
Our at-home bleaching kits provide our patients with the option to brighten their smile in the comfort of their own home.
The patient will come into the office to have impressions taken of their teeth. With these impressions. the dental technician will then fabricate custom, plastic trays from the molds. The dentist will make sure your trays fit perfectly in your mouth prior to moving forward, to ensure a safe and comfortable outcome. If the trays do not fit properly, it could irritate or even damage your gums.
Next, the dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to place the whitening gel in the trays. The trays are to be worn everyday or overnight until you have reached your desired color.
It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity during the time the trays are in your mouth and should go away once you have stopped bleaching.
FAQ
Teeth-Whitening
How does teeth whitening work?
Over time, it is normal for your teeth to become discolored or stained due to the food or drinks we consume, even with proper oral hygiene. Teeth whitening, also known as bleaching, is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel. The bleaching solution that is used during treatment combines with oxygen in the air and carbon in the dentin to break apart the staining molecules stuck on the teeth.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Since there is such a wide range of whitening agents used for treatment, the average teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to three years. Following good oral hygiene and avoiding any stain causing foods or drinks, such as coffee or red wine, will result in a longer lasting whitening.
How long does the whitening process take?
Depending on the amount of sessions, our in-house whitening treatment takes approximately an hour to an hour and half long. During your session, you can relax and watch all of your Netflix favorites in the comfort of our office.
Should I get a dental cleaning before having my teeth whitened?
Professional teeth whitening works best on teeth that are free of plaque and tartar. Having a dental cleaning before your whitening will ensure the best possible results for whitening.
Will whitening my teeth damage the enamel?
A key advantage of whitening your teeth from a dental professional is that you significantly reduce the risk of damaging the tooth enamel and gum tissue. Professional teeth whitening is safe, effective, and always performed under the supervision of a dental professional.