Options for Whiter Teeth
Options for Whiter Teeth

Proper oral care helps keep your smile healthy and beautiful, but even with a consistent routine of brushing and flossing your teeth can become discolored and dull over time. Luckily, teeth whitening can rejuvenate the appearance of your smile, with several options available for at-home and in-office treatment.

Most whitening treatments work by applying a special type of bleach to the teeth that breaks down stains, revealing a brighter appearance. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to consult your dentist to make sure your teeth are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Learn more about teeth whitening options and then schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Crescent Dental. Drs. Zufari and Thakur can help you decide which teeth whitening option is right for you, or if another type of cosmetic procedure will best achieve your goal.

Whitening Toothpaste

Although all types of toothpaste remove some stains, specially designed whitening toothpaste contains additional polishing agents to enhance stain removal. They don’t contain a bleaching agent like other whitening treatments do, so they only remove surface stains. When choosing a whitening toothpaste, look for one with a seal of approval from the ADA or another reputable dental organization. Also be sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations and instructions to minimize adverse effects.

At-home Whitening Trays

Your at-home whitening treatment involves the use of custom-made trays and a specially made whitening gel. The trays are designed to keep the gel on your teeth where it is most effective, preventing it from seeping into your gums where it can cause sensitivity.

Typically, you’ll visit the dentist to have the trays made and receive your whitening gel, along with instructions for use. You’ll then be able to proceed with your whitening treatment in the comfort of your own home. Results are typically better than with a whitening toothpaste but can take several weeks of daily applications to achieve an optimal outcome. Some patients use at-home whitening from time to time to maintain the brighter results attained by an in-office whitening procedure.

In-office Whitening

If you don’t want to wait for a brighter smile, then in-office whitening is the choice for you. In-office whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment because it can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile in just a single office visit.

The dentist begins your whitening treatment by placing a shield over your gums and then applies a bleaching gel to the teeth. A special laser light may be used to enhance the whitening power of the gel. Your treatment is completed in about an hour and you’ll leave your visit with a brighter, whiter smile.

Teeth Whitening Considerations

The results of teeth whitening can be dramatic, but they are not permanent. Over time your teeth will become discolored again, especially if your diet includes tooth-staining beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine, or if you smoke. Teeth whitening results can be maintained by having regular teeth whitening procedures and by using a whitening toothpaste between treatments.

You should have a dental exam before starting a teeth whitening treatment to make sure it’s right for you. It’s important to know that the bleaching agents will only work on natural tooth enamel, so porcelain and other types of tooth restorations won’t be affected. In some cases, another type of cosmetic procedure, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, may be a better choice to give you the transformed smile you deserve.

Contact Crescent Dental for Teeth Whitening

If you’re interested in whitening your smile, contact our practice in Orlando to learn more about our options. Our dentist will examine your smile, speak with you about your cosmetic goals, and help you decide which treatment is right for you.