When Should I Consider Tooth Whitening?

engelberg-whiteningDo you feel like your teeth are dull and stained? You may be wondering whether you should talk to your dentist about teeth whitening, pick up an over-the-counter solution, or just try to improve your daily smile maintenance. When should you consider professional teeth whitening? What are the signs of serious discoloration?

Can I Just Brush and Floss Better?

Often, once your teeth become stained you will need professional assistant. You can start using ADA-recommended toothpastes that contain whitening agents and you may see some improvement. However, in most cases the gains will be minor. Store bought strips and other over-the-counter solutions can also be used, but they often lead to tooth sensitivity and the results rarely last very long.

How Does Tooth Whitening Work?

We actually offer two different methods. For the in-office option, we clean the teeth and apply a bleaching gel to the teeth. A curing light is then used to activate the bleaching ingredients within the gel. The stains are then lifted in a single visit. For our home-based option, we create a set of trays and prescribe the bleaching gel. At home, you fill the trays with gel and wear them for about an hour daily over the course of a week to ten days. Both options can potentially brighten teeth by multiple shades.

How Do I Keep My Smile Bright?

After your treatment, you should start making sure your brush and floss thoroughly every day. Doing so can control the amount of plaque that builds between dental cleanings, as plaque can make stains more apparent. You should also avoid smoking and cut back on foods and drinks that contain staining agents, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda. If you have any questions about tooth whitening, then please contact our office today.

To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.