Everyone’s teeth are prone to staining over time. Even the best flossing and brushing habits can’t fix discoloration beneath your enamel. This is why teeth whitening procedures are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world. In fact, a staggering 45 million Americans – 14% of the population – have had professional teeth whitening procedures. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of people who have their teeth whitened are satisfied with the results.
If you are considering whitening your teeth, we are here to help. Whether you choose to use our take-home whitening kit, or stay in our office for a professional treatment, we know that you will have a brighter, more vibrant smile when you are finished.
What are the types of professional whitening services?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are safe and effective for most people. There are two types of professional treatments: bleaching and non-bleaching.
Bleaching is the most common type of professional teeth whitening treatment. This involves using a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to remove the stains on your teeth. Bleaching is effective for most types of staining and can provide you with dramatic results.
Non-bleaching treatments, such as dental bonding or veneers, are used for more severe staining. These treatments work by covering up the stained teeth with a new material. Take a look at the Cosmetic Procedures on our website to learn more about veneers and dental bonding!
What can I expect during a professional teeth whitening?
Whitening in the dental office produces the most vibrant effect, often in a single one-hour visit. When you come in for a professional teeth whitening treatment, the first thing we will do is assess your teeth. We will look at the severity of your staining and decide which type of treatment will be best for you.
After we have assessed your teeth and decided on a treatment plan, we will get to work. The actual whitening process usually takes about an hour.
Once you have been prepped, the dentist or hygienist will apply a bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth. This gel goes beneath the surface layer of teeth to dissolve stubborn stains from the enamel, restoring your teeth to their natural color.
The gel is left on for a few minutes, then cleaned. This process is repeated two to four times throughout the visit, depending on the level of whitening desired. Our team will monitor your progress to ensure that the whitening process goes smoothly, and that minimal sensitivity occurs. During this time, you will need to sit still and avoid eating or drinking. Once you are finished, we can show you on a whitening chart how many shades whiter your teeth have become.
Once the treatment is complete, you will be able to see a noticeable difference in the color of your teeth. They will be brighter and often several shades whiter than they were before.
Do you offer at-home whitening options?
We understand that making time to go to the dentist for teeth whitening can be tricky with a busy schedule. If your hectic schedule makes time for an office visit hard to come by, we can provide at-home whitening kits to let you whiten your teeth on your own time. We use impressions to create custom whitening trays, ensuring a beautiful, consistent whitening for your entire smile.
These kits are a great option for whitening on your schedule, and can also be used for touch-ups between dental visits, especially in combination with in-office whitening.
It’s time to whiten your smile!
Whether you are interested in an at-home or in-office option to whiten your teeth, we can help! We’ll assess your teeth and help you achieve a bright smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off!
If you are interested in getting your teeth whitened, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you have and get you on your way to achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
