Do you have an unattractive smile because of stained teeth? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are bothered by discolored teeth that make them feel less attractive and confident. Even though over-the-counter whitening products are available, most of them produce minimal effects at best and tend to lead to tooth sensitivity.
In-office teeth whitening has become the most popular type of cosmetic dental treatment. Unlike over-the-counter bleaching products that use weak ingredients, a professional teeth whitening treatment can offer you superior results under safe, controlled conditions.
In-Office Teeth Whitening Advantages
- Offers faster results
- Safe and effective
- Less post-treatment teeth sensitivity
Best Candidates
Although in-office teeth whitening makes sense for many people, it is not for everyone. If your gums and teeth are hypersensitive, you may need to avoid teeth whitening. Alternately, your dentist could provide you with a lower strength gel to take home with you.
Certain types of stains do not respond well to teeth whitening. In these types of cases, your dentist may recommend dental crowns or veneers to restore your white smile.
What To Expect
There are several different types of professional whitening systems available, but there are some common steps. The process itself is not painful or uncomfortable. Many patients even sleep or watch TV during their whitening treatment.
Your dental team will begin by isolating your teeth to protect surrounding gum tissue from irritation caused by the whitening agent.
Next, a bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, remaining in contact for up to 30 minutes. At that point, the gel may be rinsed away, followed by another application of the whitening agent.
Depending upon the whitening system, your dentist may shine a special light onto your teeth to activate or intensify the effects of the bleaching agent.
After the gel has been washed away, you are done and free to return home.
Maintaining Your New Smile
After your teeth have reached your desired level of whiteness, you’ll want to keep them that way as long as possible. The best way to maintain your beautiful new smile is to avoid common staining agents, such as coffee, tea, red wine and cigarettes.
Treatment Alternatives
As mentioned earlier, your dentist may recommend that you avoid in-office teeth whitening under certain circumstances.
Dental Crowns
Commonly used to repair tooth decay, or serve as a cap for a dental implant, dental crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes. The material used in dental crowns is a white color that can match the color of your surrounding teeth, giving you a beautiful, white smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Another whitening alternative is porcelain veneers, which are thin shells of a porcelain material that is bonded to the outward-facing surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are commonly used when corrections for both stains and minor tooth damage are needed.
Schedule Your Consultation
Are you ready to once again take pride in your smile by undergoing an in-office teeth whitening treatment? If so, please contact your dentist’s office today to schedule your whitening treatment or consultation.
