Maintaining good oral health and brushing habits is important. It goes toward prevention of staining and yellowing of teeth. Nonetheless, teeth lose their shine and luster over time as they begin to discolor. As we age, our teeth become more porous and our enamel naturally darkens. This process is hastened by consumption of colored beverages like tea and coffee, as well as smoking.
Whatever your concern, we will work with you to find the most appropriate, cost-effective solution provides results that make you want to smile. Your timeline, budget, and lifestyle all are play an important part in the decisions we make about the direction of your treatment. We offer a wide variety of high-quality cosmetic dental treatments to fit just about every need.
Nothing can detract from your appearance like a smile marred by stains, discolored teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a quick, effective solution, so it’s no wonder that it’s the most popular cosmetic dental treatment offered.
During just one in-office treatment, we can brighten your smile by as much as six to eight shades with Zoom Phillips professional teeth whitening. If it’s more convenient for you, we can create a custom-made whitening kit for at-home treatments at your pace. Your treatment, your way!
We offer several methods to our patients – all designed to give you the freedom to choose a teeth whitening method that works for you.
Why is professional whitening better than other options?
The greatest benefit that you’ll gain by seeing a dentist for tooth whitening is speed. Unlike over-the-counter kits, professional whitening uses a stronger formula that can provide you with a noticeably whiter smile in a single treatment. At-home kits that you can pick up at the drugstore often take a week or longer to provide noticeable results.
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
While teeth whitening is considered safe, you may experience some side effects from treatments: Teeth sensitivity. Your teeth may become more sensitive following teeth whitening. You may experience this on your first or second treatment, and it may diminish with time.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won’t last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.
How do dentists whiten teeth?
This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made tray for at-home whitening.
Do teeth whiteners damage a tooth’s nerve?
There’s no evidence to date that the teeth whitening process has a harmful effect on the health of a tooth’s nerve. One study reported that at both a 4.5- and 7-year follow up, no individual who used a teeth whitening system needed a root canal procedure on any teeth that had been whitened.
Are the teeth whitening products sold over the counter bad for oral health?
Yes, many of the products contain harmful chemicals that might damage your gums and teeth. Some of them might not even work.
How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?
The amount of whitening varies from client to client and cannot be predicted or guaranteed; but in general use, teeth may lighten anywhere from 6 to 12 shades on the whitening shade guide. The results depend greatly on how discolored the teeth were originally. Yellow or brown teeth, surface stains, and uniformly darkened teeth are easiest to whiten. Additional whitening treatments may be needed in order to achieve the desired shade, especially with heavily stained teeth.
Will Teeth Whitening Hurt My Enamel?
Current research shows that whitening treatments do not harm the enamel of your teeth. However, these studies were done in a professional environment using products containing only 10 percent of a bleaching solution. Choosing to have your teeth whitened professionally rather than using at-home products reduces the chances of causing damage to your teeth and gums.
Does It Cause Sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after whitening treatments. Other patients never notice a thing. For most people, the sensitivity is gone within 48 hours. If you find that your teeth are sensitive after tooth whitening, you can ease discomfort by using special toothpaste or going longer between treatments.
How Long Does It Take to Get Teeth Really White?
Professional treatments can whiten teeth in less than an hour. However, people with severely stained teeth may need more than one treatment to get their teeth to their brightest shade. Other types of treatments may take several weeks to get your teeth white. The length of time for whitening depends upon many factors. They include your natural tooth color, your lifestyle habits and the type of treatment option that you choose.
Can I Whiten Restorations?
Only natural teeth can be whitened. This means that fillings, crowns and bridges will remain the same when you use one of these treatments. When these are in a visible location, it is important to work with your dentist to determine how a whitening treatment will affect your smile. In some cases, whitening will return the rest of your teeth to a color that matches your restorations. In other cases, you may need to have your restorations replaced at the same time you whiten your teeth.
Whiter teeth are possible with professional treatments that transform a dull and aging smile into one that is beautiful. As with any new type of treatment, remember to consult with a dental professional before trying it at home. Then start proudly flashing those pearly whites and feel confident about your appearance.