Are You Ready for Teeth Whitening?

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When your smile is bright and white, it shows the world that you take good care of yourself. White teeth brighten up your entire face, and make you look younger and healthier.

When are teeth ready for whitening?

Teeth whitening is more effective on teeth that are yellowed or discolored. It is best to have your teeth whitened before they become too stained. Teeth whitening doesn’t work on dental work like fillings, bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges or dentures. Professional teeth whitening services safely and effectively lift deep stains from teeth.

What are my options for teeth whitening?

There are two ways to whiten teeth: in-office whitening and at-home whitening. Both options have their pros and cons.

In-office whitening is a procedure in which a patient receives a whitening agent, typically a hydrogen peroxide-based solution, applied to the teeth. The procedure typically takes about one hour. After the procedure is complete, patients can see results immediately. The whitening agent will stay on the teeth for about an hour after the procedure, so patients will want to take care to protect the soft tissues of the mouth.

In-office whitening is a good option for patients who want immediate results. Most patients see a significant change after the first appointment. In-office whitening is also a good option for patients with sensitive teeth as the concentration of the whitening agent is much lower than at-home whitening.

At-home whitening uses a custom tray that is designed to fit over the teeth. The tray is filled with a whitening gel. Patients wear the trays for a certain amount of time, usually about an hour to two hours, each day. The whitening gel remains on the teeth for about 12 hours each day. Patients usually see results after a few weeks of daily wear.

At-home whitening is a good option for patients who want to whiten their teeth on their own schedule. Patients can also whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home, which can be very reassuring.

Conclusion: Ready for teeth whitening?

If the answer’s “yes” then it’s time to set up an appointment. In your first appointment, your dentist will closely examine your teeth. If you have any cavities, he’ll fill them. If you have gum disease, he’ll clean it. After your teeth are healthy, then he can create your custom tray. You can then take home the tray and whitening gel to whiten your teeth for 30 minutes at a time, twice a day for 10 days.

You’ll make several visits to the dentist’s office. And, you’ll also have to be gentle on your teeth. Don’t eat hard foods, and don’t drink too many staining beverages. Coffee, tobacco, and red wine can discolor teeth.

Fulton Dental, located in Vestavia Hills, AL, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for the patients. Call us at (205) 822-3838 and schedule an appointment with the dentist.