What Is Teeth Whitening?
As the years go by, repeated exposure to staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can lead to dull and discolored teeth. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying hydrogen peroxide-based teeth bleaching products to lift tooth discoloration, whitening and brightening your smile. The transformative treatment gives your teeth a fresher, more radiant appearance.
Over-the-Counter Whitening
There are numerous whitening products available for purchase. They include teeth whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste. Their bleaching agent concentration is lower than what dentists use, so while they can help remove surface stains, they might not provide the dramatic results that professional treatments do.
Aside from lack of effectiveness, safety is sometimes a concern when it comes to over-the-counter whitening products. Many of them contain harsh chemicals or abrasives that can cause severe damage to your tooth enamel and gums. For the best and safest results, consider professional teeth whitening treatments.
Professional Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening treatments offer superior results. Under the careful supervision of Dr. Blyth, we will apply a higher concentration hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to your tooth surfaces. We may use a specialized light or laser to activate the whitening agent and enhance the process. While results can vary from patient to patient, in-office whitening can deliver dramatic results, whitening and brightening your smile several shades in just one session!
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, Dr. Blyth is happy to offer at-home whitening kits. These include custom-fitted trays and a lower concentration of whitening gel. You will place the gel in the trays and wear them for a specified period of time over several days to achieve your desired results.
Are You a Candidate for Teeth Whitening Treatments?
While most stained and discolored teeth respond well to whitening, it is not for everyone. In general, yellowish teeth from staining foods or tobacco show excellent results. However, grayish or brownish stains or discoloration from trauma or the use of medication may not respond well to treatment. Moreover, teeth whitening does not lift stains of dental restorations, such as tooth-colored fillings or dentures.
Dr. Blyth will evaluate your unique needs and help you determine the ideal solution to restore your dazzling smile. If professional teeth whitening is not right for you, he may recommend an alternative cosmetic dentistry procedure, such as dental veneers or cosmetic bonding.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening has a high safety record under the care of an experienced dental professional. Some individuals experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. However, the temporary side effect typically subsides shortly after without intervention. Most safety concerns are associated with over-the-counter products or do-it-yourself whitening kits.
How Can You Maintain Your White, Bright Smile?
Here are some ways to enhance the outcome of your whitening treatment and ensure the longevity of the results:
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
- Consider using a whitening toothpaste to help prevent new stains from forming.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups and cleanings to remove new surface stains and maintain your bright, healthy smile.
Teeth Whitening
Near Me in Queen Creek, AZ
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to enhance your smile, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Blyth will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the best option to deliver your desired results. Visit Aesthetic Smiles of Queen Creek to get on track to a whiter, brighter smile.
Looking for quality, personalized dental services in Queen Creek, AZ? We invite you to contact Aesthetic Smiles of Queen Creek at (480) 409-0011 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!