Teeth whitening is a common procedure for those who wish to see a dramatic change in the look of their smile without spending a great deal of time or having to have complicated cosmetic dentistry. Whitening can last several months with proper maintenance, and can give you a vibrant new look in a single appointment.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening is performed in the dental office or at home, depending upon the treatment you prefer or what will work best for your teeth. For a treatment in the office, the Zoom! whitening treatment can lighten your teeth six to ten shades in a single, hour-long visit. The whitening agent is applied to the teeth, then activated with a special light. After twenty minutes, the whitener is removed and re-applied. After the third application, your teeth will already look whiter. Over the next few days, they will continue to lighten until you can see the full effects of the treatment.
If your teeth do not respond to the in-office treatment, a take-home treatment might provide better results. You will take home specially made trays to use to apply the whitening agent. Wearing these trays for about fifteen minutes at a time, twice a day, often provides excellent results for discolored teeth that do not respond as well to the Zoom! in-office treatment.
Keeping Your Teeth White
After your whitening treatment, it is important to take care of your teeth to prevent future severe staining. Regular brushing and flossing will ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and will also remove any staining agents that might linger on your tooth surfaces. Avoiding staining agents will also help keep your teeth from becoming discolored again.
To keep your teeth white, avoid the following:
- Nicotine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Dark-colored foods or juices
In addition, occasional touch-up whitening treatments will help your teeth maintain their new look. If you keep your teeth clean, avoid foods and beverages that could cause additional staining, and have touch-up treatments, your teeth will stay white and bright for several months.
Make an appointment with our cosmetic dentistry team at 972-539-0608 for more information on teeth whitening today.