METHODS OF PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING EXPLAINED BY YOUR DENTIST IN SMYRNA

Methods for teeth whitening explained by the dentist in Smyrna area

Having beautiful, bright white teeth is one of the easiest ways to make your smile appear attractive and healthy. There are many foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine, blueberries, and tomato sauce that can cause your teeth to appear yellow or stained. When trying to eliminate these stains, it may seem easy to run to the nearest drug store and purchase an over the counter whitening product to use at home. While these over the counter options are easily accessible, they rarely produce the results you are looking for. Instead, you should opt for professional teeth whitening from your dentist at Smyrna Dental. Professional teeth whitening is affordable and the most effective way to truly transform your smile. Below, Dr. Lamothe will explain the methods for teeth whitening available in our office.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING, EXPLAINED

While your teeth may appear solid, in reality, tooth enamel is very porous. When you consume dark or acidic foods and beverages, the pigments penetrate the enamel and are absorbed into tiny tubules underneath the surface of the tooth, leading to a yellow or stained appearance. Therefore, it’s very difficult to remove these stains with tooth whitening pastes and other over the counter methods. Professional teeth whitening uses a high-strength whitening agent that lifts the stains from the tubules to give you a whiter, brighter smile.

SMYRNA DENTIST EXPLAINS THE METHODS OF TEETH WHITENING

At Smyrna Dental, we understand that our patients have varying needs, which is why we offer two options for teeth whitening: in-office and at-home whitening.

In-Office Whitening

For patients who are looking for immediate results, in-office whitening is the best option. In about an hour, you will be able to leave the office with a brand-new smile.

How it works:

While in-office whitening is a straightforward procedure, it does require some preparation. To begin, it’s important to make sure any plaque is removed from the surface of the teeth to allow the whitening agent to properly penetrate the enamel. Your dentist will use a retractor to isolate the teeth and make sure that your cheeks, lips, and tongue are properly protected from the solution. A barrier is also placed along the gumline to protect it from exposure. The front surface of the teeth is then coated with the whitening solution. A special curing light is used to activate the bleaching agent and then the solution is left on the teeth for a predetermined period. This process may be repeated until the desired shade has been achieved.

Following the in-office teeth whitening procedure, it’s important to avoid highly pigmented foods or beverages for at least 24 hours.

At-Home Whitening

For patients who wish to have the dramatic results of professional whitening, but would prefer a more gradual approach, at-home whitening is the best option.

How it works:

The dentist will take impressions of your teeth in order to make custom-fitted trays. Once the trays are made, you will be given a prescription strength whitening gel and instructions for how to apply the solution and how long to wear the trays each day. Most people wear the trays for an average of one hour per day and the desired results can be achieved in about two weeks.

One of the biggest benefits of at-home whitening is that you can keep the trays and gel to use for periodic touch-ups if you notice any stains.

KEEPING YOUR TEETH SPARKLING WHITE

The best way to keep your teeth white is to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but better yet after every meal. Try to limit dark colored foods and beverages and always rinse after consuming anything that is highly pigmented.

SCHEDULE YOUR TEETH WHITENING CONSULTATION AT SMYRNA DENTAL & HEADACHE CENTER TODAY

If you are interested in learning more about various methods of teeth whitening, you can ask us during one of your routine exams or call the office at (678) 374-3764 to schedule a teeth whitening consultation. During your appointment, we’ll discuss both options with you to help you determine which method of whitening you’d prefer. We look forward to helping you have the smile of your dreams.