When you meet someone for the first time, your smile is typically one of the first things they notice about you. That’s why it’s important to have a grin you can be proud of. If you have discolored teeth, it can be hard to want to show off your smile. That’s why there’s teeth whitening at Dental Center of Midlothian – the solution to stained teeth. Dr. Johnson offers both in-office and take-home whitening to turn back the clock on your smile and remove stains caused by years of bad habits. Contact us today if you’re interested in having a smile you can be truly proud of.
Teeth can experience two kinds of stains: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains are caused by the foods and drinks you consume, tobacco habits, and normal enamel erosion. They only appear on the surface layer of the teeth and can usually be removed with over-the-counter whitening products or even just regular brushing. However, some extrinsic stains are quite stubborn and therefore require professional whitening treatment to remove.
If you would prefer to drastically alter your smile in just one hour, then in-office whitening is just the thing for you. We will apply a bleaching gel that is incredibly powerful, strong enough to remove those pesky intrinsic stains. Then we’ll switch on a heat lamp that’s focused on the problem areas of your smile. This activates the bleaching gel and allows the molecules in the stains to break down. Once we wash off the bleaching gel, your smile should be up to eight shades brighter!
For more gradual results, we have take-home whitening. First, we’ll take impressions of your bite to design custom-made trays that fit you and only you. Next, we’ll instruct you to wear your trays combined with our potent bleaching gel for a prescribed amount of time each day, usually around 30 minutes. Over the next two weeks or so, your smile will become brighter and brighter. You can stop whenever you feel satisfied with your results.
The amount of time that your results last will depend heavily on a few lifestyle factors, such as your tobacco use, oral care habits, and food and beverage consumption. However, professional teeth whitening can last quite a long time if you brush and floss daily, reduce your consumption of darkly pigmented food and drinks, and regularly get whitening touch-ups, either at-home or in-office.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common and affordable ways to enhance your smile. However, you want to be well informed before committing to the treatment. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about professional teeth whitening. If you don’t see your question listed below, don’t worry! Just give our office a call and we’d be happy to get you the information you’re looking for and get you set up for a consultation.
Many patients are nervous to commit to different treatments due to fear of pain. Since professional teeth whitening treatments are entirely custom, you are significantly less likely to experience any tooth sensitivity. If you are more prone to tooth sensitivity, let us know. By spacing out treatments, avoiding hot beverages, and using a special toothpaste, you can avoid this unpleasant sensation.
If you are self-conscious of your smile due to stubborn stains and discoloration, then you may make a good candidate. The only way to find out for sure is by scheduling a consultation. This appointment will allow our team to conduct a thorough dental exam and determine whether or not the treatment is a viable option for you. If you have any preexisting dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to have them treated before moving forward with teeth whitening.
No, teeth whitening will not damage healthy tooth enamel. However, if your teeth are compromised by decay or gum disease, the chemicals can cause problems. This is why conducting a dental exam beforehand is so important. If you are using at-home remedies, like using activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide, this can do more harm than good. Overuse of whitening products can also wear away your enamel. If you want to whiten your teeth, you should always see a dentist first! This way, you can whiten your smile safely.
No, dental crowns can’t be whitened like your natural tooth enamel can. Whitening gels can actually weaken the bond between your tooth and restoration, so it’s important to disclose your dental history during your initial consultation. To prevent your dental crown from becoming discolored, take steps like refraining from using tobacco products and limiting your consumption of dark-colored beverages. If you’re unhappy with the shade of your crown, it can be replaced to blend in with the rest of your smile.