Discover the Magic of Teeth Whitening
Maintaining bright and white teeth is a goal we all aspire to, and the key steps are familiar to us: brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and regular dental checkups. However, despite our efforts, our teeth may not always maintain that sparkling whiteness.
Factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle choices play a role in tooth discoloration. Your diet and oral hygiene habits significantly impact the color of your teeth. Beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine, as well as tobacco use, are notorious for staining teeth.
To achieve those coveted "pearly whites" again, consider our professional teeth whitening. Over-the-counter whitening kits may not yield satisfactory results, but professional in-office or take-home teeth whitening can effectively restore your smile.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to enhance your smile. Over time, teeth can become discolored due to various factors, including aging, genetics, and dietary choices. Teeth whitening treatment penetrates the enamel, and the outer layer of the teeth, and breaks down stain-causing compounds.
Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and tobacco, contribute to teeth staining.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
While store-bought whitening products can help maintain brightness, professional teeth whitening at the dentist's office produces quicker and more significant results. Using a more potent form of peroxide, dentists can whiten your teeth by several shades in just one hour. It's an excellent option for those with upcoming special events seeking immediate improvement in their smile.
Am I Eligible for In-Office Teeth Whitening?
Not everyone is a candidate for in-office teeth whitening. Patients with gum disease or sensitive teeth may experience irritation from the stronger peroxides used in this procedure. In such cases, a custom take-home whitening kit with lower peroxide concentration may be a better alternative.
Teeth with restorations like crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth cannot be whitened. Veneers or crowns are suitable alternatives for improving the appearance of these teeth.
Procedure Overview
Professional teeth whitening is a simple and relatively quick process. The dentist will record the color of your teeth before treatment to assess the effectiveness of the whitening.
To protect your lips, tongue, and gums from the whitening agent, the dentist will cover them with a rubber dam or a protective liquid. A cheek retractor will be used to expose your teeth and prevent contact with your lips and cheeks.
The peroxide whitening gel will be applied to your teeth in several 15 to 30-minute cycles, with progress checks in between. The entire appointment typically lasts one to one and a half hours.
Afterward, your dentist will evaluate the post-treatment tooth color and determine the extent of the improvement. If necessary, you may receive take-home whitening trays to maintain your new smile.
It's normal to observe some tooth color regression a few days after in-office teeth whitening as your teeth rehydrate.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
For individuals who have been disappointed with over-the-counter whitening kits, custom take-home trays offer superior results. These trays, made from impressions of your teeth, fit comfortably and cover areas that store-bought kits often miss.
Am I Eligible for Take-Home Teeth Whitening?
Some teeth stains are not amenable to whitening gel treatment. For instance, discoloration from a root canal is internal and cannot be whitened. Stains on crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth also do not respond to whitening. In such cases, new crowns or veneers are alternative options.
Procedure Overview
Obtaining custom teeth whitening trays is a straightforward process:
- A mold of your teeth will be made using a special putty.
- The dental lab will create flexible plastic trays from these impressions.
- Your dentist will select a suitable peroxide whitening gel, taking into account your needs and sensitivity levels.
- You will need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them for two to four hours daily, following your dentist's advice on the appropriate duration.
- The treatment typically lasts two to four weeks, and noticeable improvements should be evident within the first two weeks.
- If you experience any side effects like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, discontinue the treatment and contact your dentist promptly.
Before commencing at-home teeth whitening, it is essential to undergo any necessary dental procedures such as cleanings or fillings to ensure optimal results.
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At Wellness Dental Group, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from other dental practices in La Jolla and Poway.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond dental care, as we consider ourselves part of a network of caretakers who prioritize the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in La Jolla, Poway, and the surrounding areas. As a locally-owned practice, we are part of a legacy of providing top-quality general dentistry.