According to the experts, your teeth should be approximately the same shade as the whites of your eyes. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are many factors that can contribute to tooth discoloration including dietary and lifestyle choices, medical conditions/treatments, and more.
This is one of the reasons that cosmetic dentistry is such a popular field. Cosmetic treatments, such as tooth whitening, can resolve these concerns. Parkway Dental Care offers a variety of dental services to improve the appearance of your smile including teeth whitening were you can compare teeth whitening before and after.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to resolve tooth discoloration. Some treatments aim to remove the stains, while others simply lighten the stain so that it is undetectable.
Many people use whitening and bleaching interchangeably because they believe they are the same thing. However, while similar, there are a few differences between the two:
There are several things you should be aware of before having your teeth whitened.
First of all, the teeth whitening process removes surface stains from teeth. Some treatments can get deeper into the dentin, but if the discoloration is due to infected dental pulp, whitening will not help.
Next, clean teeth whiten better- which means you’ll need to have teeth cleaned before you undergo whitening treatment.
If you have restorations such as dental implants, crowns, fillings, or veneers, they will not whiten. If you need these restorations, you should have your teeth whitened first and then get the restorations based on the color of your whitened teeth.
If you want your results to last, you may want to consider making some diet and lifestyle changes.
The cost of whitening varies depending on several factors including the type of treatment, the experience/expertise of the dentist, the location of the clinic, and more. Since this is a cosmetic treatment, most dental insurance providers will not cover any part of it. We do offer financing options for those who need it.
After teeth whitening treatment, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
Avoid dark-colored foods/beverages for up to 72 hours. When you do add them back to your diet, you should minimize your consumption and always take the time to rinse your mouth immediately after.
Avoid smoking and using tobacco products, as these are bad for your overall health and can cause tooth stains.
While it is critical to practice proper oral hygiene both to preserve your results as well as your oral health, it’s important to avoid using colored toothpaste and/or mouthwash. These products can stain your teeth much faster than those that are light-colored or white.
On average, teeth whitening results last about 2 to 3 years. However, this depends on your compliance with aftercare instructions. For best results, you should be brushing at least twice daily with a whitening toothpaste, flossing at least once daily, and visiting the dentist every 6 months. If needed, touch-up treatments can be provided at these visits.
In addition, you should minimize your exposure to foods/beverages that can cause staining. If you do consume these, make sure to rinse your mouth well afterward or, if possible, brush your teeth. Finally, if you smoke or use other tobacco products, it is recommended that you quit. This will help reduce your risk of staining your teeth, as well as any other health complications.
If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Philip at Parkway Dental Care. He has undergone extensive training in cosmetic dental procedures including tooth whitening. He can help you achieve the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, we provide a variety of other general and restorative dental services for your whole family. We are located in Kissimmee at 1064 E. Osceola Parkway.
Our office hours are Monday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can schedule your appointment by calling the office or by visiting our website.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments at Parkway Dental Care because it is the least invasive. If you are considering this treatment to brighten your smile and you have questions/concerns, we will be glad to address them. Below are some of the most common questions that we’ve gotten:
Yes, according to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening is a safe, effective way for resolving tooth discoloration.
Yes, teeth whitening has proven to be effective for both extrinsic and intrinsic stains on teeth. However, results vary based on the type of whitening treatment and the severity of staining.
You should avoid dark foods/beverages that can cause staining for the first 24 to 72 hours following whitening treatment.
No, teeth whitening does not hurt. However, some patients do experience gum irritation and/or tooth sensitivity following a whitening treatment.
If your gums start burning during treatment, stop the treatment and rinse with warm saltwater. This will help wash away any of the whitening product from your teeth/gums and relieve the discomfort. If you stop immediately, the irritation will usually resolve within a few days. Saltwater rinses and OTC pain relievers can help during healing. If it worsens, it’s important to visit the dentist right away.