Losing the enamel on your teeth and the shine they carry can be quite disheartening. Thankfully, you can get newly whitened teeth through professional whitening. In this article, we will share all the key information about teeth whitening services so that you can have the best outcome for your teeth.
What Exactly is Teeth Whitening Services?
Teeth whitening is a procedure that involves removing or reducing the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the teeth. This can be done through several different methods, including at-home treatments and professional services.
At-home teeth whitening treatments include over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpastes, gels, and strips. These products contain mild bleaching agents that can remove surface stains on the teeth. However, they are not as effective as professional treatments and may not be able to remove deep-seated stains or discoloration.
Professional teeth whitening services, on the other hand, are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They typically involve the use of stronger bleaching agents and can produce more dramatic results than at-home treatments. There are two main types of teeth whitening services: in-office and take-home.
In-office teeth whitening is done at a dental office and usually takes one to two hours. The dentist will apply a bleaching gel to the teeth and use a special light or laser to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. This method can produce immediate results and is often used for people who have deep-seated stains or discoloration that cannot be removed by at-home treatments. Having a dental office perform it for you is also great if you have tooth sensitivity issues.
Take-home teeth whitening kits are also available from the dentist. These kits include custom-fitted trays that are filled with bleaching gel and worn for a certain period of time, usually for a couple of hours a day for 1-2 weeks. The results from take-home kits may not be as immediate as in-office whitening, but they can still produce significant improvement in the color of the teeth.
One thing to note is that teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. People with gum and tooth sensitivity or certain dental conditions such as cavities may not be able to use whitening products. Additionally, whitening treatments will not work on all types of discoloration, such as those caused by certain medications or conditions. A qualified dental professional like Sunny Isles Dental will be able to correctly determine if teeth whitening is a viable option for you.
Knowing the Causes of Tooth Stains to Avoid Future Whitening Treatment
While teeth whitening is certainly not a difficult procedure to go through, you should still try to avoid it by making the right lifestyle choices and understanding your own inherent limitations. There are many factors that cause the teeth to become stained or discolored. Some common causes include the following:
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Food and Drink Choices
Consuming certain foods and drinks can lead to staining of the teeth. For example, coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables can all contribute to discoloration. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to the development of cavities, which can also cause discoloration.
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Tobacco Use
Smoking or using other forms of tobacco can cause the teeth to become yellow or brown in color. The nicotine and tar in tobacco products can stick to the surface of the teeth, causing discoloration.
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Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria or plaque can easily build up on your teeth, leading to discoloration. Additionally, not visiting the dentist for regular cleanings can also contribute to discoloration.
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Age
As we age, our teeth enamel can become thinner, revealing the yellow dentin beneath. This can make the teeth appear more yellow or discolored.
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Medications
Certain medications can also cause discoloration of the teeth. These medications typically cause the color of the teeth to become yellow, brown, or gray.
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Trauma
If you have injured your mouth or teeth, it can cause discoloration. This is because the injury can cause blood to flow into the tooth, which can lead to discoloration.
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Genetics
Some people are simply more prone to discoloration of the teeth. If your family members have yellow or discolored teeth with no underlying cause, it is likely that you will also have them.
It’s also important to note that not all of these discoloration reasons can be addressed effectively with teeth whitening treatments. For example, if the discoloration is caused by a medication or a genetic condition, teeth whitening may not be fruitful. Of course, that does not mean all hope is lost for such cases, as there are alternatives to consider if needed. A qualified dental professional like Sunny Isles Dental can determine the cause of the discoloration easily and recommend the best course of treatment.
How to Prepare for Your Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment
Whether it is a teeth whitening process or any other treatment that you may be going for, being fully prepared can help make the entire treatment a lot smoother and manageable. When you decide to go and whiten your teeth at a professional dental office, you should take some steps to prepare for it as well. It is important to do so to ensure the best possible results from your in-office whitening treatment. Here are some steps to prepare for the procedure:
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Schedule a consultation with your dentist
Before undergoing teeth whitening, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. They will be able to examine your teeth and gums and determine if it is a viable option for you to whiten your teeth. They will also be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
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Clean your teeth
You must make sure that you have a clean set of teeth before the procedure. This means that you should brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any plaque or tartar. If you have been prescribed a whitening toothpaste or whitening gel, then use that as well for the prescribed amount of time. Alternatively, you can also schedule a professional cleaning with your dentist before your in-house whitening appointment to ensure that your teeth are as clean as possible before the procedure.
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Stop smoking or using tobacco products
Smoking or using other forms of tobacco can cause the teeth to become yellow or brown in color. If you’re planning to undergo a teeth whitening procedure, it’s important to stop smoking or using tobacco products at least one week before you go to the cosmetic dentist’s office for the procedure.
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Avoid consuming certain foods and drinks
Certain foods and drinks can also cause the teeth to become stained or discolored. For example, coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables can all contribute to discoloration. To ensure the best possible results from your procedure, it’s important to avoid consuming these foods and drinks for at least one week before the tooth whitening.
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Adjust your expectations
Teeth whitening can improve the color of the teeth, but it will not make them perfectly white. The results of teeth whitening will vary depending on the severity of the discoloration and the type of treatment used. A professional service will still be better than what you would see if you use whitening toothpaste or whitening gel at home. Additionally, some teeth may whiten more than others, and some may not whiten as much. However, your in office whitening dentist will try their best to get even results.
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Discuss any concerns you may have
Before the procedure, it is important to discuss any concerns you may have with your tooth whitening dentist. They will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have and help you to prepare for the procedure.
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Follow the instructions provided by the dentist
Of course, discussing with your tooth whitening dentist is only beneficial if you truly follow the advice they give. Before the in office whitening procedure, your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
What to Expect in the Actual Procedure
Teeth whitening is not a fixed process and can have variations involved in it. This is to make teeth whitening safe for each patient and address any concerns for people with sensitive teeth or other underlying issues when they decide to whiten their teeth. Here is a general overview of what happens during the procedure:
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Preparation
Before the procedure, your dentist will prepare your teeth by cleaning them thoroughly. They may also take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays for take-home kits if needed.
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The Whitening
In office whitening is done at a dental office and usually takes one to two hours. The dentist will apply a bleaching gel to the teeth and use a special light or laser to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. The gel is usually applied in several coats, and the light is activated after each application. The procedure is usually done in one session, but in some cases, a follow-up session may be necessary.
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Aftercare
After the procedure, your dentist will share aftercare instructions with you. These may include avoiding certain foods and drinks, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.
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Maintenance
Teeth whitening results can last for several months, but they may not be permanent. To maintain the results, you will need to avoid foods and drinks that lead to staining and may need to repeat the procedure every few months or years.
Conclusion
Now that you know what you need to get white teeth, you can decide if this is something you need. If you are in Florida, we strongly recommend that you do so by visiting Sunny Isles Dental for the best results. They are available to talk to over the phone, and you can book yourself an appointment at any time using their online booking portal.