Want to Sparkle — Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatments are popular for patients that have a smile that has darkened or discolored over time, or maybe they just want a brighter smile. Dental whitening can be done safely and there are several options to choose from. If the directions are followed, patients can successfully achieve beautiful results with little to no side effects. A major advantage to changing a patient’s smile is a boost in self-confidence.
Whitening treatments will only be effective on natural teeth. If you have implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures, keep in mind, the color of these restorations will not change. If your dentist has diagnosed any cavities, we recommend having that treatment done before proceeding with a whitening procedure.
Teeth whitening is perfectly safe, but there are a few side effects that patients can experience:
Sensitivity: When you whiten your teeth the product gets deep into the dentin, the layer of tooth structure below the enamel. In some cases, patients can experience sensitivity after this procedure. Using a toothpaste designed to help with sensitivity will help decrease the chance of this occurring. Another suggestion is to bleach your teeth every other day, rather than daily.
Irritated Gums: Gum irritation, tenderness and redness are other common issues patients may experience. It is important to make sure that excess whitening material is not used, however if some of the gel expels from the tray ensure it is wiped away from the gum tissue as soon as possible. This type of sensitivity typically goes away after treatment is complete.
Relapse in Whiteness or Brightness: Whitening is not a treatment that lasts a lifetime and will require maintenance. Once you achieve your desired shade, or level of brightness, you will need to maintain this periodically.
There are things you can do at home to help keep your teeth looking bright white. Avoid foods and beverages that may stain your teeth like coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries, and cherries. If you eat or drink something that may stain your teeth, it is a good idea to rinse or brush immediately afterwards to help decrease the risk of staining.
Teeth whitening is a great way to give you a bright white smile that will radiate confidence. Scheduling an appointment with our team to examine your teeth and discuss your goals will help start the process. Our dental professionals will help you decide what treatment is best, and help get you on the road to a brighter smile.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to find out if teeth whitening is right for you, contact our office and our team will be more than glad to assist you.