Teeth Whitening in Stafford, VA
Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants photo-ready pearly whites without having to give up their favorite coffee drink or putting in too much effort. That’s why so many people in Stafford, VA opt for dental whitening treatments. Consulting a dentist before choosing to whiten your teeth is important to ensure the health and integrity of your teeth, and determine which method is best for you!
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the natural color of your teeth or removing stains and discoloration. This is a purely cosmetic process, but can be very effective in boosting confidence, allowing you to feel comfortable showing off that smile!
Whitening Methods
There are many ways to whiten your teeth, some in-home, some in a dentist’s office. Whichever you choose, it’s important to consult a dentist first to see if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Some options are gradual, slowly lightening your teeth over time, and others are more instantaneous.
Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are the mildest form of whitening and serve better as a preventative measure than a solution. They remove surface stains with mild abrasives and gentle polishing agents. This is most effective when used daily, as it removes build up that causes deeper stains and discoloration.
Strips/Gels
You can buy peroxide-based gel to apply directly to the teeth, or strips coated in the gel for more ease of application. Both are gradual forms of lightening, with some results seen in a few days and final results at about 4 months. These are typically applied once or twice daily for two weeks.
Rinses
Whitening rinses are a great all-in-one dental product. They reduce plaque and protect from gum disease like regular mouthwash, with the added ingredient of hydrogen peroxide, which can whiten the teeth. You should use a whitening rinse twice daily for a minute each time, and results will be evident in 8-12 weeks.
Trays
You can purchase tray whitening over the counter or from a dentist’s office. This method includes a peroxide-bleaching agent filled mouth guard that can be worn for a few hours during
the day or overnight. This method takes about 4 weeks to see results and is typically more effective than the other gradual methods above.
In-Office Bleaching
The quickest and most effective whitening method is bleaching performed by a dentist. You’ll see results after just one treatment that typically lasts 30-60 minutes, and your teeth can lighten anywhere from 2-8 shades.
Benefits of Professional Whitening
Strength
The bleaching method that dentists use to whiten patients’ teeth is much stronger than any over the counter whitening treatments. This is great for if you have very discolored teeth and other methods don’t work for you. It also comes in handy if you’re getting your teeth whitened before an event or vacation, because you don’t need to plan so far ahead like you would with the gradual methods.
Maintain Oral Health
Dentists care, first and foremost, about your oral health. Some conditions like worn down enamel or tooth decay could be worsened by whitening, so seeing a dentist for your treatment will ensure that you’re doing what’s best for your oral health, as well as cosmetic appearance.
Final Thoughts
Visit Precision Smile Dentistry for the quickest, easiest, and strongest whitening treatment! You’ll leave with glowing pearly whites!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Whiter Will My Teeth Become With In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment?
The average improvement in shade after one in-office whitening procedure is from two to eight shades. The result varies depending on the severity of the discoloration, types of stains and condition of the enamel. Our dentist will evaluate your shade and provide an expected result during the consultation.
What Types Of Stains Does Professional Whitening Treat Best?
Professional teeth whitening services work effectively on surface stains that have developed due to eating, drinking, or smoking. But if your teeth have got stained due to the consumption of certain antibiotics, fluoride, or trauma, then professional whitening may not prove effective. In these cases, we recommend restorative or cosmetic options for the best results.
How Do I Prepare For My In-Office Whitening Appointment?
Before the whitening procedure, professional dental cleaning is recommended to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar which may lower the effectiveness of the treatment. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth 24 hours before the procedure.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Effect On Gum Health?
Professional tooth whitening is usually safe for the gums. A protective gel is placed on the gums when applying the whitener so that the bleaching agent does not irritate the tissue. It is necessary to treat and stabilize any active gum problems before whitening can be done.
Can Teeth Whitening Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
Yes. Teeth whitening is commonly performed before other cosmetic dental procedures like crowns, veneers and bonding. Whitening helps ensure that any dental restorations placed afterward are matched to your newly whitened teeth.