We all know that a smile is the best accessory you can wear, and what good is a smooth tongue without white teeth? If your smile could use an upgrade, PLUSH Dentistry has completely personalized and enduring teeth whitening programs.
Tooth Whitening is categorized into two categories:
- In a Dentist’s Office – whitener is professionally applied at the dental office and can include trays or gel activated by light, heat, or laser after a thorough dental exam.
- At Home –
- Dentist has prescribed or dispensed a product for home use, usually in the form of a gel and custom trays.
- Over-the-counter products available for home use such as whitening toothpaste, whitening mouth rinses, whitening strips, or whitening pens.
Whatever method you choose, it’s so important to speak to your dentist first to make sure you select the correct method or product for you to get the desired results. You may not be a good candidate for a certain method or product and you may end up with sensitive teeth and/or gums.
What if you’ve tried the over-the-counter products and just aren’t happy with the results? Light- or Laser-activated whitening treatments are the latest methods for whitening teeth. Speeding up the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide, you’ll get faster and more long lasting white effects.
Success or longevity of any bleaching method used depends on:
- the patient’s general oral hygiene,
- the frequency of intake of certain foods and beverages like:
- tea,
- coffee,
- red wine, and
- aerated drinks (dark colas).
On an average, most bleaching treatments last anywhere from six months to a couple of years, and there are a few new laser-activated systems claiming to last up to four years. Usually, a light touch up can be done every 6 months to a year depending on what method was initially used.
You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” ~ “Annie” play, 1982
What can you do to keep your teeth whiter longer?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the vital core of success for any whitening method. Basic activities like visiting the dentist every 3 to 6 months for a checkup and thorough cleaning. Limiting consumption of foods that cause external stains such as red wine, coffee, dark sodas, and rich teas. Stopping smoking and any chewable tobacco use. Finally, make sure to choose the right whitening method and products for you in a private consultation with your dentist.
The most commonly heard question about teeth whitening is…
Does it make my tooth enamel weaker?
The purpose of whitening is to lighten your teeth with minimal to no tooth damage. That’s why it is so important to consult a dentist to select the right products and method that best suits your teeth and customize it for your needs.
If your teeth are damaged from cavities, or if you have gum disease, whitening may worsen them. So, if your oral health is optimized first, using any form of a whitening agent should not be damaging to your teeth or gums. Prolonged use of a highly concentrated whitening product can cause damage to your teeth.
Realize that whatever methods or products that work for you may not work for someone else. Even though there are a variety of over-the-counter tooth whitening products available, the American Dental Association recommends consulting a dentist prior to using any whitening products or methods to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
At PLUSH, every patient first undergoes a thorough dental exam to make sure that they recommend the best technique and product for you and help you achieve the desired results without harming your overall oral health. Dr. Ali says,
We want the best esthetic results for our patients and proudly carry the uniquely formulated ‘APA White Duo’ take-home whitening kit which uses a combination of two forms of whitening – films and whitening pen. It’s great for the ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle that most of our patients have.”
PLUSH also offers their in-office “Zoom Whitening” which is one of the best whitening systems on the market. It’s light activated, so it’s perfect for instant and long-lasting results.
If you have any other questions about teeth whitening, or would like to learn more, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Ali for more information.
