Category: Teeth Whitening
5 Questions to Consider Before Scheduling your Teeth Whitening Treatment | Litchfield MN
If you’re planning to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you do your research to find the right dentist and dental practice. The bleaching procedure is generally safe and effective when done by a dentist during the first visit, and under a dentist’s supervision for subsequent treatments. That said, everyone should first visit a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis to ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, brighter, whiter smile.
Here are some questions to help you choose the right dentist:
Can teeth cleaning and polishing brighten my teeth without bleaching?
Professional teeth cleaning and polishing is done in order to remove calculus and surface stains caused by colored drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and so on. However, this will not change the color of stained or yellowing teeth. Teeth cleaning can help you remove deep stains and discoloration that won’t go away with routine cleaning and polishing.
How is in-office teeth whitening done?
The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The trays stay in place for a short period of time to break down the agent into oxygen, which then penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth.
Will I achieve the results I want?
Yes. Most cases of tooth whitening are successful. That said, the treatments work differently depending on the extent of discoloration or staining at the start of the procedure. Fortunately, your dentist will discuss with you about your treatment plan and inform you beforehand about the best way to whiten your teeth, any difficulties, and even the expected results.
Can teeth whitening be done outside a dentist’s office?
It’s recommended that you consult a dentist to design your bleaching plan that can then be done in the office or at home with a customized teeth whitening kit. This is important because dentists are trained to choose the best treatment plan for your case; estimate the improvement in shade that you will achieve; and inform you how long your treatment will last.
In which situations might tooth whitening be unsuccessful?
Tooth whitening only helps to improve the shade of your natural teeth. This means that it may not be successful when used on unhealthy teeth, teeth with exposed roots, or teeth that have been restored with fillings, crowns, veneers, or have received root treatments.
Please consult your dentist to discuss your bleaching plan and the expected results of your teeth whitening treatment.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Options, Litchfield MN
People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.
Advancements in teeth cleaning technologies have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting, and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.
Some of the teeth whitening options available include:
Professionally applied bleaching:
With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results
Dentist-prescribed treatment:
Your dentist will give you a custom-made whitening kit for home use. This kit includes custom-made trays and some hydrogen peroxide gel. Teeth whitening at home is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks.
Which is the best option?
It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns.
What to Expect During Teeth Whitening Treatment | Litchfield MN
Your smile may gradually lose its sparkle regardless of how thorough your oral hygiene routine is. Although brushing and flossing your teeth every day and scheduling professional teeth cleaning visits can help to prevent stains, factors such as ageing, smoking, and consuming wine, tea, coffee, and other colored foods and drinks can contribute to the yellowing or discoloration of your teeth.
Tooth whitening provides you with a way to improve the color of your teeth and ultimately enhance your smile. This requires you to consult a dentist to design a personalized treatment plan that is based on the current shade of your teeth and the desired outcome. Professional teeth whitening in the dentist’s office is the most common bleaching method, and is usually accomplished using hydrogen peroxide or another bleaching agent.
The treatment is performed by a team member during the first appointment, and then under one’s supervision for subsequent treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
The procedure involves:
- Placing a rubber shield or some gel to protect your gums
- Applying the bleaching agent on your teeth using some trays that fit snugly like a mouthguard
- Leaving the trays on to activate the bleaching ingredient and break it down into oxygen that penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth
- A laser may be used to speed up the breakdown for faster results. This requires application of a higher concentration of the bleaching agent without using the trays, and then using laser technology to activate it. This improves the color of your teeth by 5-6 shades.
After your whitening treatment, the effects can last for a long period of time if you practice proper oral hygiene. Please visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening options that may work for you.
6 Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.
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