Everyone experiences discolored teeth at some point in their lives. Not only does it occur naturally with aging, but lifestyle habits increase the likelihood. Professional teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic dental services we provide in our office. It’s an easy way to drastically improve your smile.
Teeth Whitening in Canton, TX
There are two different types of professional teeth whitening that we offer. We start each cosmetic procedure with a consultation. We’ll discuss your smile goals and budget and thoroughly examine your teeth. If oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease exist, we’ll need to treat or manage the condition before progressing with cosmetic treatments. In addition, we’ll determine which whitening option is the best for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is ideal for patients who want to whiten their smile quickly. For example, patients who have an important event or vacation coming up. It all takes place in an hour-long office appointment for teeth up to eight shades whiter. We recommend getting a dental cleaning right before your whitening treatment. This removes buildup on the teeth, possibly leading to splotchy, uneven results.
Then, we’ll protect your eyes and the soft tissues in your mouth. This form of whitening uses special lighting, so glasses protect your eyes. The bleaching agent can also cause sensitivity in your gums if they come into contact with it. When complete, we paint your teeth evenly with the whitening gel. We ensure you get results covering every nook and cranny of your smile.
We use a special light to activate the bleaching agent in the gel. Depending on how your teeth respond to treatment and how white you want them to be, we may reapply gel and repeat this process multiple times throughout your appointment. The results will continue to improve for a few days after treatment.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home whitening is a more gradual process. We take impressions of your teeth to make customized whitening trays that fit your smile exactly. Professional-grade whitening gel goes into the trays. You wear them for a few hours each evening. We plan treatment and determine how many weeks you should wear the trays. At-home treatment also helps with touch-ups in between your in-office whitening treatments.
Custom whitening trays seal out saliva so that it doesn’t interfere with the whitening process. It also helps to make sure that you get even, complete coverage. We monitor your progress to ensure that you get the results you’re looking for.
Professional Vs. Over-The-Counter Whitening
While professional whitening does cost more than drugstore solutions, it’s for premium products. Dentists have access to whitening solutions that are much stronger than you can get over the counter. Professional whitening products are also better for your teeth and often have protection from sensitivity. You’ll need to use drugstore whitening more often than professionally, making you even more susceptible to tooth sensitivity.
Over-the-counter whitening is designed to be one size fits all. If a whitening strip isn’t big enough, your results can be sloppy and not cover the smile completely. If it’s too big, it’ll likely come into contact with your soft tissue and cause sensitivity. Professional products work better and are more comfortable and healthy for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get my teeth cleaned before whitening?
Getting a clean before whitening is a good idea. A clean will remove surface stains and plaque. This allows the whitening agent to work better. Clean teeth will also allow us to see your true tooth color. This will allow us to better predict your whitening results. Plus, it will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before we start the whitening process.
Can yellow teeth become white again?
Yes, yellow teeth can often become whiter with proper treatment. Professional whitening procedures can significantly lighten discoloration caused by foods, drinks, or smoking. Maintaining good oral health and avoiding staining substances also helps improve tooth color over time.
Can I wear my night guard after teeth whitening?
Yes, you can wear your night guard after teeth whitening. In fact, wearing it can help protect your teeth if you grind them during sleep, which is especially important after whitening. Just make sure to clean your night guard thoroughly before using it again.
Do I need to change my diet after teeth whitening to maintain the results?
To keep your teeth bright after whitening, avoiding foods and drinks that can stain them is helpful. If you do enjoy these, try brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth afterward. Good oral hygiene and mindful eating habits will help maintain your new smile.
Do you brush your teeth before using Lumineux whitening strips?
You should brush your teeth before using Lumineux whitening strips. This removes surface debris and plaque, allowing the whitening gel to contact your teeth directly. Use a gentle toothpaste and wait about 30 minutes after brushing before applying the strips. This gives your enamel time to remineralize. Following these steps helps you get the best results from your whitening treatment.
Is sensitivity normal after teeth whitening?
Sensitivity after whitening is pretty common. Many patients feel a twinge when eating hot or cold foods for a few days. It’s usually temporary and mild. The whitening process can open up tiny pores in your enamel, making your teeth more reactive. If it bothers you, try using a sensitive toothpaste. The discomfort should subside within a week.
Schedule a Consultation
Transform your smile with professional teeth whitening. Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.