Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens the shade of the patient’s smile. The results can be remarkable! Some patients enjoy significantly whiter teeth (5 to 10 shades brighter) in just one session. The American Dental Association reports that teeth whitening encompasses some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments nationwide. The same holds true for our local Ahwatukee community. Professional teeth whitening typically occurs at the dentist’s office, but some patients opt for take-home treatment options. Professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents than over-the-counter teeth whitening products, so patients benefit from faster and more dramatic results.
Did You Know?
It’s natural and normal for teeth to get darker as we age. Additionally, some lifestyle influences, such as food, beverage, medicine and other habits, can intensify that process, leading to an even darker or more visibly stained smile. Fortunately, dentists are able to erase years of stains in just one professional whitening session. Futher, we can sustain those results for years, as long as the patient practices proper maintenance habits. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that professional whitening is most effective in combination with good oral care habits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Patients who struggle with discoloration, but otherwise enjoy healthy teeth and gums are often ideal candidates for professional teeth whitening treatments. Please note that some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be well-suited for professional whitening. Schedule a consultation with the team here at Shine Dental Arts, conveniently located in Ahwatukee, to learn more about tooth whitening and whether it might be the right solution for you.
Teeth whitening first requires a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, in order to ensure all debris is carefully removed. The dentist then protects the gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of the teeth. This product is then activated and allowed to work on the teeth for several minutes. At that point, the dentist will wash it off with water. Results will vary depending on the natural shade of the teeth and the severity of the discoloration. However, most patients enjoy teeth that whitent by serveral shades in just a single session.
A small degree of tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment is perfectly normal. The dentist may instruct you to avoid highly pigmented beverages and/or foods for at least 24 hours. This often includes products like tea, coffee and wine. Depending on the patient’s results and long-term teeth whitening goals, the dentist may elect to prescribe an at-home whitening kit for later use.
At a young age our teeth are healthy white. But overtime the enamel coating the tooth is so slowly worn down. Causing our teeth to become stained and yellow, which is why teeth whitening is become increasingly popular today. There are a few methods for whitening. They include at home and in office. With in office treatments, you will see faster results, receive the safest treatment for bleaching the teeth, and yield the whitest smile. So, don’t settle for teeth that have become stained from years of coffee drinking, tobacco use, or just aging. Ask your dentist about whitening options that may be right you.
