Teeth whitening is an efficient way to brighten your smile. It lightens discolorations of the enamel and dentin.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes stains and discolorations from teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter. Common causes of tooth discoloration include consumption of dark colored food and drinks, tobacco use, certain medications, poor oral hygiene, aging, trauma, and heredity.

Before teeth whitening procedures can begin, your dentist will perform a complete oral examination to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration. When the cause of the tooth discoloration is determined, an appropriate treatment will be recommended to you. In most cases, teeth whitening procedures are performed using a bleaching solution that contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The bleaching agent is applied directly to the surface of the teeth and left on for about an hour so it can work its magic. During this time, patients should stay away from stain-causing food and beverages so as not to interfere with the bleaching process. Once the hour is up, the bleaching solution is rinsed from the surface of the teeth, and the process is complete. The results of your teeth whitening procedure can last for as long as six months before you will need to schedule another treatment. Patients can prolong the results of their treatment by avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks as much as possible.

If your teeth are affected by minor surface stains, at-home teeth whitening kits may be a good option for you. At-home teeth whitening kits contain a less concentrated form of the bleaching agent than the one used in in-office treatments, so the results won’t be as dramatic. However, you will still be able to achieve noticeable results within a few weeks of using your at-home kit. You will simply need to follow the directions provided to you by your dentist for the best results. Contact our office today to learn more about teeth whitening treatments and to schedule a consultation with our caring dentist. We look forward to speaking with you!

In-Office Teeth Whitening

There are different types of teeth whitening methods, but in-office whitening is the most effective and fastest way to whiten teeth by several shades in just one visit. Professional teeth bleaching products contain stronger concentrations of bleaching gel than at-home kits and lasers. The bleach is carefully applied over the surface of the teeth and is left on for several minutes at a time while the teeth are protected from the solution with barriers. Our dentists also take special precautions to protect patients’ lips and gums during the procedure to ensure only the teeth are being bleached. Once the appointment is complete, the results are instant! Patients leave our office with a brighter, whiter smile and little to no sensitivity. To maximize results, some patients choose to get their teeth professionally cleaned prior to their in-office whitening treatment. This removes surface stains from the enamel.

Many patients choose to whiten their teeth in our office before a big event such as a wedding or graduation photos. For patients with extremely sensitive teeth, Dr. Q may recommend one of our take-home whitening treatments instead. These options allow you to whiten your teeth on your own schedule in the comfort of your own home. Take-home trays typically include a lower concentration of the bleaching agent so patients can gradually build up to their ideal shade of white without experiencing discomfort. The effects of this type of whitening are more subtle than those achieved with professional treatments, but they can still help to brighten up your smile by several shades.

If patients experience excessive tooth sensitivity during or after an in-office whitening treatment, we may recommend having a custom mouth guard fabricated to protect them from hot beverages and cold foods while their teeth heal. This will help them avoid being embarrassed by temporary sensitivity and will help them maintain their results for as long as possible. In addition to whitening, this customized oral appliance can also protect

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Although at-home teeth whitening kits are a popular option for patients wanting to improve the appearance of their teeth, they may not be the best option for everyone.

There are several factors that your dentist will consider when recommending an at-home whitening kit over a treatment performed in-office. These include:

* How severe your tooth discoloration is.

If your teeth are extremely discolored or yellowed, a teeth bleaching solution may not be effective enough to remove the staining and you may want to discuss your treatment options with your dentist.

* Your experience with over-the-counter products.

If you have used store-bought teeth whitening products in the past and they haven’t been as effective as you’d like, you may want to discuss professional options with your dentist, such as in-office procedures.

* The amount of time and effort you’re willing to spend on your smile transformation.

Some teeth whitening methods are faster than others and require less work on your part. For example, if you’re concerned about the time and cost of braces, you may want to consider an at-home teeth straightening system like Invisalign® aligners.

For more information about your cosmetic dentistry options, schedule a consultation with your [city] dentist today.

“At-Home Teeth Whitening” was written by Marissa Luck.

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• Dental Implants

• Cosmetic Dentistry

• Orthodontics

• Sedation Dentistry

• Gum Disease Treatment

• Wisdom Tooth Removal

• Crowns and Bridges

• Fillings & Onlays