Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by as many as 5 to 10 shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening procedures have become some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country. Professional teeth whitening services can be performed in an office setting or prescribed for take-home use by a patient. In comparison to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents that deliver faster, more effective and safe results.
Did you know…
that the teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile. However, it is possible to erase years of stains in a single professional whitening session and sustain those results for many years with proper maintenance. Patients at Bellaire Dental report that they feel like they look younger after whitening their teeth. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening is best maintained by a combination of good oral care and take-home whitening treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise, have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Madden to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or those who have active gum disease, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Dr. Madden will then protect your gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated by laser equipment and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.
It is no longer normal to experience tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 96 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee, and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit to maintain the beautiful white results.