Nothing Improves your Appearance more than a Bright, White Smile!
If you're uncomfortable with you smile due to tooth stains and yellowing, you're not alone. Your teeth will naturally darken over time. Changes in the color of your teeth can also be caused by such factors as the food and beverages consumed like coffee, tea, soda and berries. Other known factors for discoloration may include childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use, or improper oral hygiene. Restoring your natural, white smile is possible at VanBuskirk Dental. We provide a variety of options for brightening your smile!
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over the Counter Products
Tooth whitening services are growing in popularity, and it's one of the most requested services offered by our practice. There are many over the counter teeth whitening options but these solutions typically do not work. The key to professional teeth whitening is a group of special volatile compounds called peroxides. Most commonly used whitening agents are Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide. These compounds contain volatile oxygen molecules which react violently when they come in contact with surface stains on your teeth. Essentially, these whitening agents "bleach" tooth stains away and restore the natural white color of your enamel. Our office uses industry standard professional bleaching products. It is important to monitor your teeth whitening treatment with a dental professional to ensure you are using the proper strength and you are not causing any damage to your enamel or gum tissue.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
The biggest benefit of teeth whitening is that it will restore your confidence. Your teeth will be bright, white and beautiful once again, and you won't have to feel self-conscious about stains or yellowing. Teeth whitening also helps rejuvenate your appearance and makes you look younger. Typically, whitening is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments available at the dentist. It's totally non-invasive and has no serious side effects. Some patients may experience teeth sensitivity after whitening.
How does Teeth Whitening Process work?
You will come into our office to have dental impressions taken and we will fabricate a set of custom whitening trays for you. You will use these trays along with a supply of professional-grade whiteners to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home. Usually, you'll wear your trays for about an hour a day for a period of 2-3 weeks. You will return to our office periodically so that we can check the health of your tissue and provide higher strength whiteners as you progress.
How Long will it Take to See Results?
Take home whitening provides results that are subtle and gradual, therefore we record a beginning shade for you to compare your results. Some patients notice results immediately while others take a few weeks. It all depends on how stained your teeth are, how well you tolerate the bleach, and how white you your teeth to be.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of whitening treatments can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. It varies from person to person and it has to do with oral hygiene, lifestyle habits and incidence of re-staining.
Practicing good oral hygiene is a no-brainer, but it's really important if you want to keep your whitening treatment looking pearly white. By brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, you can reduce your risk of plaque buildup which can cause a yellow buildup on the teeth.
Regular cleanings also remove surface stains and plaque and tartar buildup. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, using tobacco products, drinking coffee and wine, or consuming other highly pigmented and staining foods will cause discoloration over time.
We recommend reducing your consumption of staining foods and drinks or getting in the habit of rinsing your mouth out afterward. Drinking through a straw can reduce contact between the staining drink and the teeth, which can help to preserve your whitening treatment.
Ready to get Started?
VanBuskirk Dental is here to help. Contact us today for a complete cosmetic consultation and discuss your options for a brighter smile!