Tired of hiding your smile because of stained teeth? Look no further than teeth whitening treatments! With our professional teeth whitening, you can achieve a brighter and more confident smile in no time. Contact your cosmetic dentist in Zachary today!
It’s recommended to have teeth professionally cleaned before undergoing teeth whitening to ensure the best results.
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In-office teeth whitening is teeth whitening conducted by a professional dentist in a clinical practice setting. The process involves applying a strong bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide) on the teeth multiple times before activating it with a special light. The dentist repeats the process until your teeth achieve the appropriate shade.
Take-home teeth whitening breaks down into two types. Professional take-home teeth whitening involves getting custom-fitted teeth whitening trays and a bleaching agent. The dentist will then provide instructions on how to use the traits and bleaching agent to whiten your teeth. Store-bought take-home teeth whitening are teeth-whitening gels and strips that patients can buy from stores and use at home to whiten their teeth.
On the day of the appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine the extent of the discoloration. The dentist might suggest scaling, root planing, or dental bonding for surface stains, but regular teeth whitening for deep stains. Right after, the dentist will compare your teeth to a shade chart to pick an appropriate shade for your teeth.
The dentist will clean the plaque, tartar, and debris off your teeth to ensure optimal results. They’ll then place protective barriers on your cheeks and gums to protect them from the hard bleaching agent. In some instances, dentists will apply a protective gel on these areas to achieve the same purpose.
With the protective barriers in place, the dentist will gently apply the bleaching agent on the surface of the teeth, ensuring it covers every nook and cranny. The dentist then uses a special blue light to activate the bleaching agent. Dentists might repeat this process multiple times until they achieve the desired results.
Once satisfied, the dentist will examine your teeth to check for any missed spots and ensure complete teeth whitening. If everything looks okay, the dentist will send you home with instructions on caring for your whitened teeth. The dentist will also schedule follow-up treatments since teeth whitening isn’t permanent and requires re-whitening every six months or so.
The duration of professional teeth whitening results varies, influenced by factors like the whitening method, oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle. Typically, professional teeth whitening can last from several months to a few years, with in-office treatments lasting longer than at-home methods. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding stain-inducing foods and drinks, and periodic touch-up treatments can help prolong results. However, teeth whitening is not permanent, and teeth may gradually return to their original color over time due to individual factors. Consulting with Dr. Jason Simms and Dr. Anh Simms at Z Dentistry in Zachary, LA to discuss your whitening options can provide guidance on maintaining a white smile.
After teeth whitening, it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth and compromise your results. Some common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, tomato-based sauces, and highly pigmented foods. It is also advisable to avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can quickly stain your teeth. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid consuming hot or cold foods and drinks immediately after whitening, as your teeth may be more sensitive during this time. By following these guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can help extend the longevity of your teeth whitening results.
Remember, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can greatly enhance the appearance of your smile. If you have any further questions or concerns about teeth whitening, it is always best to consult with your dentist. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your unique dental health and goals.
The frequency of teeth whitening treatments can vary depending on several factors, including the type of whitening treatment used and your personal habits. In general, most people find that the effects of teeth whitening last between six months to two years. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary. Some people may need touch-up treatments more frequently, while others may find that their results last longer. It is best to consult with your dentist to determine the most appropriate whitening schedule for your specific needs.
It is common for some people to experience temporary tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. This sensitivity is usually mild and should go away on its own within a few days. If you do experience sensitivity, it is recommended to use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoid consuming hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, it is best to consult with your dentist.
No, teeth whitening is perfectly safe for patients of all ages, including kids and the elderly. Dentists usually use a protective rubber barrier or gel to protect the cheeks and gums from the strong bleaching agent. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience a bit of sensitivity following the procedure that disappears within a few days.
In-house teeth whitening can be done in a single sitting or take two to four weeks, depending on the extent of the discoloration. Severely discolored teeth take longer to whiten and might require multiple sessions spread over weeks. Patients with mild discoloration can achieve white teeth in a single sitting that takes about two hours or so.