Here at our cosmetic dentistry office, we offer professional, in-office teeth whitening for patients who want to brighten the appearance of their smile and remove stains. We take pride in helping each patient achieve the smile of their dreams, and we believe everyone should feel confident and happy showing off their pearly whites while in public. Many of our patients report having more success in their relationships, work and other avenues of daily life with a brighter smile. If you are not entirely happy with the appearance or shade of your smile, then get in touch with us to find out how teeth whitening can help you.
Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and lightening the shade of natural teeth to make them appear whiter. There are three main forms of teeth whitening, professional, in-office teeth whitening, professional take-home teeth whitening and over-the-counter whitening kits. Professional teeth whitening in particular, as we offer here at our office, is generally considered the safest and most effective way to brighten teeth. There are many benefits to this procedure:
Perhaps the most notable benefit is the ability to appear more attractive, which helps many of our patients have success with developing personal relationships. Other patients are able to enjoy the benefit of appearing more professional in a work environment. Also, the better a person’s smile, the more confidence they are likely to have, and we see many achieve a higher overall level of confidence through treatment as well. Along with the cosmetic benefits, our process also works to remove plaque from the surface of teeth, which helps prevent the development of cavities and periodontal disease.
Each patient has their own reasons for choosing professional, in-office teeth whitening. We encourage anyone who is not happy with the shade of their teeth or the overall appearance of their smile to visit with us and learn about the benefits of teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments. However, there are certain situations where teeth whitening is particularly useful, such as before a big wedding or other event, when preparing for an important job interview or in any scenario where it pays off to look your absolute best.
For example, a person whose job involves interacting with clients or customers regularly can benefit from appearing more professional through a whiter, more attractive smile, as it may help show themselves in a confident manner. The results of our professional teeth whitening typically last around a year, so we also encourage our patients to come in once a year to receive treatment. It is rare that whitening is needed more often than once annually.
We tailor our treatment specifically for each patient, but there is a certain general process we try to follow. On the first visit with our team, we will conduct a thorough examination of the patient, checking for any signs of an oral health complication such as enamel erosion or periodontal disease. If there are any issues that may cause discomfort or complications during the whitening procedure, we may recommend treatment options to deal with the issue, such as deep cleaning and fluoride treatment for weakened enamel.
Once the patient agrees to teeth whitening, then we will start with detailed teeth polishing, which removes plaque from the surface of the teeth. Afterward, we ensure the gums are not exposed during the whitening process, and then we apply a bleach solution to the surface of teeth and use a curing light for optimal results. We typically leave the solution on until the desired shade is reached, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Afterward, we ensure the patient is happy with their new smile, and we help them deal with any discomfort that may arise, along with providing detailed instructions on how to keep their smile healthy and clean through oral care and hygiene at home.
Teeth often remain the desired shade for a year after professional whitening, but the results depend largely on the care provided by the patient. To ensure quality results and to keep a bright and beautiful smile for as long as possible, follow these care tips, along with any advice provided by our staff upon completion of the whitening procedure:
The key to keeping a beautiful and healthy smile is a good oral hygiene routine, which should include brushing several times each day and flossing and using mouthwash regularly. Your diet also plays a role in the shade of your teeth, and food and drinks high in sugar and other carbohydrates increase the risk of teeth staining. Another useful tip is to drink water frequently, which washes away bacteria and food particles from enamel and prevents stains. While a whitening toothpaste is a great way to keep teeth white, we encourage only using it in moderation, such as once or twice per week. On every other occasion, it is more beneficial to use an enamel repair and gum disease prevention toothpaste. Last but not least, be certain to make it into all scheduled check-ups and routine cleanings with us.
If you are not entirely happy with the shade or appearance of your smile, then we encourage you to reach out to us today and schedule a convenient time to come visit with our team. We are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the treatment process, and we can help you make an informed decision as to whether professional teeth whitening is right for you. You deserve a shning smile that gives you confidence in your appearance, so start the process to brighter teeth today.