The Difference of Professional Teeth Whitening
Do you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of red wine? Lots of us do, but highly colored foods and beverages can stain your teeth, leaving them looking less than their sparkling best. The ingredients in these foods can penetrate the surface of tooth enamel, leaving stains that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
Dull, dingy discolored teeth can detract from an otherwise attractive smile, leaving you feeling less confident in your appearance whenever you talk, smile or laugh. Luckily, a professional teeth whitening treatment can often restore the appearance of teeth to their former glory, leaving you with teeth that gleam with good health.
What are Some Other Reasons Why Teeth Stain and Discolor?
Tooth enamel, the protective outer coating of a tooth is naturally quite opaque. It masks the true color of the tooth which is contained in the dentin just underneath. Dentin is darker and can appear gray or yellowish in color. Tooth discoloration is a frequently a normal part of aging because tooth enamel gradually thins over time and is why children and young adults often have naturally white teeth. It is hardly surprising we associate whiter teeth with youthfulness! Acidic foods can have a similar effect, eroding your tooth enamel and exposing more of your natural tooth color. Even brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage and wear away your tooth enamel.
Why Whiten Your Teeth Professionally?
We know you can purchase over-the-counter whitening products very cheaply, and that people who are not qualified dental professionals will offer tooth whitening services, but please remember, you only have one set of adult teeth! When carried out improperly, or if teeth whitening products are misused, they have the power to potentially damage your teeth and the risk of unpleasant side-effects such as tooth sensitivity increases. Why take the risk when a professional tooth whitening treatment is affordable, extremely effective, and above all is safe?
McLoughlin Dental Care only uses the highest quality professional-strength whitening products. Our dentist, Dr. Donald Nimz will evaluate your suitability for teeth whitening very carefully. Although we want to see you with a beautiful white smile, our main priority is to ensure it is healthy!
A Dental Exam Is Essential Before Whitening
It is crucial to have a quick dental exam before whitening your teeth safely. Dr. Nimz must check that your teeth are strong and healthy and do not have any untreated cavities, failing fillings, or other signs of dental disease like gum disease. Whitening an unhealthy mouth could worsen any existing dental problems and at the very least may feel uncomfortable or even painful. A professional teeth whitening treatment1 ensures the risk of any discomfort or unwanted tooth sensitivity is minimized or eliminated altogether. Excellent dental care shouldn’t ever feel painful!
Another reason for examining your teeth before your whitening treatment is to assess how your teeth will react to this procedure. Everybody’s teeth whiten slightly differently according to their natural color. Also, it’s important to realize that any existing dental restorations like crowns, bridges, white fillings, and dental veneers will not change color during treatment. Sometimes teeth discolor because they are internally stained, and these will not respond to teeth whitening in the same way. Don’t worry if this is the case, because there are alternative solutions to ensure you have beautiful white teeth at the end of treatment, and we will make sure you do not end up with a blotchy and unevenly whitened smile!
What to Expect during a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
Professional teeth whitening treatment can lighten your teeth considerably, usually by several shades. We provide custom-made take-home whitening kits that are highly affordable and extremely effective. Your custom-made whitening kit includes whitening trays that are fabricated using dental impressions of your teeth. Unlike anything you can buy over-the-counter, these whitening trays will fit tightly and comfortably over your teeth. They are easy to wear and use, and their design prevents whitening gel from leaking out and harming or irritating your gums.
Dr. Nimz will prescribe the appropriate strength whitening gel for your needs. This is a professional-grade whitening gel that is safe for home use. We will show you how to insert and remove the trays, and how much whitening gel to use each time. All you need do is to wear your whitening trays each day. We usually recommend using them for just an hour or so each time. You will begin to see your teeth become brighter and whiter within just a few days, but it usually takes a few weeks to complete treatment.
One advantage of using a custom home whitening kit is that you will have complete control over your treatment. It can be especially advantageous if your teeth are slightly sensitive because you can whiten more slowly and comfortably. Also, the results of teeth whitening will gradually fade, but you can reuse the trays in your custom made kit whenever your smile needs brightening, provided your teeth don’t change shape or position in any way. Normally, the outcome of teeth whitening will last from six months to up to a couple of years or even longer.
Keeping Your Smile Sparkling White for Longer
We are sure you will want to enjoy the outcome of teeth whitening for as long as possible, and several strategies that can help. Excellent oral hygiene is crucial for dental health but will also help maintain your whiter smile for longer. Make sure you keep up with your regular routine of at least twice daily brushing and flossing once-a-day. Flossing is especially important because it will remove plaque from around your gum line and in between your teeth before it can harden into calculus or tartar. Calculus can often look slightly yellow and discolored, making it appear as if your teeth are slightly stained, and of course, it is bad for your gum health!
Your regular dental exams and professional hygiene appointments are also crucial. During your hygiene appointment, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, removing any calculus buildup. Afterward, your teeth are gently polished which is excellent for removing some slight surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling sparkling and wonderfully fresh and clean.
If it is time to brighten your smile, please talk to us2 about a professional teeth whitening procedure. You’ll enjoy an optimal treatment outcome and a beautiful, healthy white smile.
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Contributed by DentalROI
DentalROI provides relevant dental content to help providers educate patients. The statements, services, and products referenced in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and they are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dental provider with any questions or issues you may have. Specific recommendations may vary in different circumstances, so individual consultation is important.
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