Professional teeth whitening is a quick, affordable way to see fast results and create a beautiful smile. Professional, in-office whitening typically lasts about 1 to 3 years when you properly care for your teeth.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
- Tobacco use: Any tobacco use, including smoking, can create yellow stains.
- Oral care habits: If you do not practice adequate oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, or miss recommended dental visits, you may notice more discoloration.
- Food and beverages: Darkly pigmented foods and beverages may stain teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and some fruits and vegetables.
- Normal aging: As people age, the hard enamel layer that protects the teeth begins to thin. This thinning allows the naturally yellow dentin to show through.
How Teeth Whitening Works
The active ingredient in most teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This compound can penetrate the enamel, breaking down stains by oxidizing pigmented molecules.
Over-The-Counter Versus Professional Whitening
While you may have seen advertisements for teeth-whitening products on television and social media, you should treat over-the-counter solutions with caution. Products ordered online may contain too much peroxide, causing gum burning and excessive sensitivity. They may also contain too little peroxide, leading to ineffective results.
Strips and toothpaste from the pharmacy or supermarket are likely safe when used as directed but may not produce the results you want, even after repeated applications.
Getting your teeth whitened professionally ensures as few side effects as possible while getting the maximum results.
The Professional Teeth Whitening Process
With in-office professional whitening, you can see stunning results in just one day. The process starts by protecting your lips and gums from the strong bleaching gel. The dentist or hygienist paints the gel onto the teeth, leaving it to stand for a set amount of time. Sometimes a bright LED light will activate the whitening solution.
Typically, an in-office whitening session will include a few applications with rinsing in between. You can improve your teeth's appearance by several shades in just one session.
You can also receive professional results using our easy at-home whitening trays. The at-home process takes longer than chairside whitening, but the results can be just as brilliant and long-lasting under a dentist's care.
How to Keep Your Teeth Looking Bright
If you want to keep your professionally whitened teeth looking great, follow our tips:
- Brush carefully at least twice per day
- Floss at least once daily
- Avoid staining foods and beverages, and if you do have them, brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward
- Avoid using tobacco
Call Oak Road Dentistry
With newly whitened teeth, you’ll feel like sharing your smile. If you feel it's time for whiter teeth, please call our Snellville, GA, office at 770-985-9559. We can explain your teeth whitening options and help you arrive at the best method for your needs.