How Do Teeth Get Discolored?
Even if you’ve faithfully cared for your teeth by brushing and flossing as recommended by your dentist, stains will still happen naturally over time. This process can also be sped up by other factors like smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking coffee, tea, soda or red wine daily. Even using certain prescription medications can cause tooth discoloration.
Following your dentist’s recommendation of brushing twice daily and flossing can slow this process down. It can help your smile stay brighter and healthier longer. However, it can’t reverse this process. Dr. Ashley Izadi, a trusted dentist in Cockeysville, MD, explains why professional whitening beats drugstore kits every time.
In-Office Teeth Whitening is for Fast Results
If you want whiter teeth right away, in-office teeth whitening is your best option. A professional whitening treatment at your dentist’s office can transform your smile in just about an hour. Imagine walking in with stained or yellow teeth and leaving with a smile that’s up to ten shades brighter!
How It Works
When you come in for professional whitening, your dentist will first protect your gums with a special gel or rubber shield. Then, they’ll apply a powerful whitening gel to your teeth. This isn’t the same weak stuff you find in drugstore products. It’s professional-grade whitening formula that really works. Some dentists use a special light or laser to activate the gel.
The whole process usually takes between 60-90 minutes, and you’ll see dramatic results immediately. Your teeth will look significantly whiter when you leave the office. It’s the perfect solution if you have a big event coming up like a wedding, graduation, or job interview and want to look your best fast.
What to Expect
During your consultation before treatment, your dentist will examine your teeth and talk about what results you can realistically expect. Some stains are easier to remove than others. Surface stains from coffee, tea, or smoking usually respond very well to whitening. Deeper stains, like those from certain medications or tooth injuries, might not lighten as much.
Your dentist can also check for any dental problems that should be fixed before whitening. It’s important to have healthy teeth before whitening them. They’ll also discuss whether you might experience any temporary tooth sensitivity after the treatment.
Why Professional Whitening Works Better
Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist gives you better results than doing it yourself:
- Stronger Whitening Agents: Dentists use bleaching gels with higher concentrations of whitening ingredients than you can buy over-the-counter.
- Customized Treatment: Your dentist can adjust the treatment based on your specific needs and sensitivity levels.
- Better Protection: Professionals know how to protect your gums and mouth from irritation during the process.
- Faster Results: You’ll see dramatic improvement in one visit instead of waiting weeks for gradual changes.
- Longer-Lasting Effects: Professional whitening tends to last longer than DIY methods when properly maintained.
After Your Whitening
To keep your new bright smile looking its best, your dentist will give you some simple care instructions. You’ll want to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for the first 24-48 hours after treatment, since your teeth will be more likely to absorb stains during this time. Using a straw for dark beverages can help protect your teeth long-term.
Regular brushing and flossing will help maintain your results. Using a whitening toothpaste can help touch up your smile between professional treatments. Many people find they only need a professional whitening treatment once every year or two to keep their smile looking its best.
Is It Right for You?
Professional whitening works for most patients, but it’s not recommended for everyone. You’ll want to discuss alternatives with your dentist if you have:
- Very sensitive teeth
- Lots of dental restorations (like crowns or veneers)
- Severe gum disease
- Allergies to whitening ingredients
If you want the fastest, most effective way to whiten your teeth, in-office professional whitening can’t be beat. In about the time it takes to eat lunch, you can have a dramatically brighter, more confident smile. While it costs more than store-bought whitening products, many patients find it’s worth it for the noticeable results.
Whiten Your Teeth On Your Schedule With At-Home Kits
If you can’t make it to the dentist for professional whitening, at-home whitening kits are the perfect solution. These custom kits give you professional-level results while letting you whiten whenever it fits your schedule.
How At-Home Whitening Works
Your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth to create special trays that fit your mouth perfectly. Unlike the one-size-fits-all trays you buy at the store, these custom trays ensure the whitening gel touches every part of your teeth. You’ll get professional-strength whitening gel that’s much stronger than anything you can buy over-the-counter, but still safe for your teeth.
When you’re ready to whiten, you simply fill the trays with the gel and wear them for the recommended time. It’s usually for a couple hours during the day or overnight while you sleep. The gel works to break up stains deep in your tooth enamel. Many patients start seeing results after just a few uses. Teeth get noticeably whiter over about a week of regular use.
Why These Kits Work Better Than Store-Bought Options
Those whitening strips and toothpastes you see at the drugstore can’t compare to professional take-home kits. Here’s why:
- Custom Fit: Your trays are made just for your teeth so the gel reaches everywhere it needs to
- Stronger Formula: The professional gel removes stains faster and more completely
- Added Protection: Unlike store products, these gels often contain fluoride to strengthen teeth and reduce sensitivity
- Better Results: You’ll see more dramatic whitening that lasts longer
What to Expect
Most people use their whitening kit for about 1-2 weeks to get their desired results. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how long to wear the trays each day. Some patients notice their teeth feel slightly sensitive during treatment, but this usually goes away quickly. The fluoride in the gel helps minimize this sensitivity while actually making your teeth stronger.
Maintaining Your Results
Your bright smile can last for months or even years with proper care. Try to avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward. Using a whitening toothpaste a few times a week can help maintain your results too.
Is It Right For You?
At-home whitening kits work great for most people who want:
- Whiter teeth without multiple office visits
- More dramatic results than store-bought products
- The flexibility to whiten on their own schedule
- Professional results at a lower cost than in-office whitening
If you have sensitive teeth or lots of dental work like crowns or veneers, your dentist can adjust the treatment to work for you. They might recommend wearing the trays for shorter periods or using a special gel made for sensitive teeth.
Getting Started
All it takes is one quick visit to your dentist to get fitted for your custom trays. Then you’ll be ready to start whitening whenever you’re ready. Imagine being able to brighten your smile while doing chores, working, or even sleeping.
With a professional at-home whitening kit, you get all the benefits of dentist-quality whitening with the convenience of doing it on your own time. It’s the perfect balance between professional results and at-home convenience.
To discuss which teeth whitening treatment would work best for your dental hygiene goals, schedule an appointment with Valley Dental Health by calling 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online.