Hello, I'm Dr. Perry here at Farmington Family Dental. Today I'm trying to answer some of the questions around teeth whitening that I frequently hear from my patients. If you have any questions about tooth whitening, stay tuned. I'll answer some of the most common ones and hopefully that clears up the subject for you.
What is tooth whitening?
Usually, tooth whitening is an attempt to brighten the teeth using either a chemical, an abrasive, or a combination of the two to remove stains. Sometimes the stains are surface level, while other times they are deep. This attempt is generally successful. With common over-the-counter products, it works pretty well.
Does tooth whitening damage teeth?
Sometimes people ask if it will damage or hurt something. There are two things you need to watch out for with tooth whitening. The first is common even in over-the-counter products that are widely used, like whitening toothpaste. Toothpaste that whitens or other materials like this have abrasives in them. This abrasive acts like a sanding disc to polish off the top layer of a tooth. By polishing off the top layer, it removes the stain but also removes part of your tooth. It's a small part, but when done repeatedly over years, the damage accumulates. This typically results in your enamel, the outer layer of your tooth, becoming so thin that the yellow or amber honey-colored inner part of your tooth shows through, making them look yellower. People who frequently whiten often end up needing veneers. We want to avoid it if possible.
The second way whitening could damage teeth is that there are pores inside teeth, similar to a sponge. When you apply a chemical, especially one with acid, it can open up those pores and cause sensitivity. About 60% of people who whiten report increased sensitivity. Typically, this goes away with time, effort, and care, but sometimes it's severe, and the sensitivity lasts longer than a couple of days. Steer clear of acidic products and those with heavy abrasives, and you should be okay.
Do dentists whiten teeth?
Dentists do whiten teeth. We have professional options here at the office. Sometimes that's the best fix for a person, especially if they need to isolate individual teeth to match existing work, such as crowns, or if they want it done quickly for an event, like a wedding. We can provide trays that work faster and safer than over-the-counter products. There's been a trend in dentistry to use LED lighting with whitening. Some products package it because it's consumer-driven, much like the mint flavor in toothpaste. It doesn't make a difference in most cases, but it doesn't hurt either. In some cases, the chemical used to whiten needs light to activate it, but that's rare. I can't think of a single example where it was used effectively, though it's packaged with many whitening services.
What can go wrong if you whiten your teeth at home?
What could go wrong? The first issue is using expired products. Expired or improperly handled products, such as those not refrigerated when needed, have increased acidity. This enhances sensitivity afterward, similar to acid damage from cavities. Make sure to use non-expired products without added acids, often called acidulated. While acid can help reach deeper stains quickly, continuous use can damage teeth like bacteria does with cavities, causing a honey-colored appearance over time.
The last issue with home tooth whitening is over-whitening. Some products are abrasive, and repeated use can damage the outer shell of the tooth. Many whitening toothpastes rely on abrasives rather than chemical whitening, which can damage teeth. It's better to use non-abrasive, non-acidic chemicals and leave whitening toothpaste at the store. They're expensive and damaging, so I wouldn't recommend them.
Sensitivity is another common problem. Generally, it goes away after a few days, but the best way to know if you'll be sensitive is to try whitening while following the doctor's instructions. Keep the whitening material at the top of the tooth, away from the neck or gums, to avoid sensitivity. Over-the-counter products usually have weak enough chemicals that they don't cause significant sensitivity, but they can still prompt a call to action.
How do you maintain your tooth whitening results?
The best way to maintain tooth whitening results is ongoing maintenance. Most people in a maintenance phase whiten every six months or a year, using a strip or two of products like Crest White Strips or a tube of whitening gel over a week. The best time to do this is after a professional cleaning, which removes exterior stains and prepares the surface for whitening. Plan to whiten right after your cleaning for faster results. Aligning your whitening every six months or year works well.
You can schedule tooth whitening at our office anytime. We use trays customized for you, with prescription-strength whitening that works faster and penetrates deeper than over-the-counter products. It's done at home, so you don't need to come to the office. We make your trays and provide them with the necessary materials. Many people align maintenance with their cleanings. Ask about it during your visit to receive another tube. I don't upsell these much; they're affordable, and I pass the cost on to you. It's cheaper in the long run than Crest White Strips, though it requires more effort to avoid sensitivity. I'll teach you techniques to achieve the best results with minimal sensitivity.
I hope this was helpful regarding whitening. If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment for tooth whitening, have an upcoming event, or need any other dental services, give us a call. Our phone number is 573-756-5760. We're here at Farmington Family Dental to assist you.
Give your natural smile a sparkle with professional teeth whitening in Farmington! Thanks to the expert care of Dr. Steven Perry and his team, you can look forward to dazzling results that will make heads turn when you smile! It’s time for those dreamy pearly whites – get ’em now at Farmington Family Dental!
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that lightens the color of teeth and eliminates stains or discoloration. It works by using bleaching agents to break down stains on the enamel and dentin layers of teeth. The bleaching agents are applied through a gel that is either activated by laser or LED light or left on for about 30 minutes. This method is effective for removing common causes of staining.
Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of teeth discoloration is poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, causing them to become discolored. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and tartar is plaque that has hardened onto your teeth.
Eating Certain Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can also cause teeth discoloration. For example, coffee, tea, and red wine can all stain teeth. In addition, dark-colored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries and beets can also cause teeth to become discolored.
Smoking
Smoking is another common cause of teeth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain teeth yellow or brown. In addition, smoking can also cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and further discoloration.
Aging
As you age, your teeth will naturally become darker due to the wear and tear of daily living. In addition, the enamel on your teeth will begin to thin, allowing the yellowish color of the dentin to show through.
Will teeth whitening work for me?
The results of the procedure can differ among individuals depending on the type of discoloration they possess—yellowish-brown stains generally respond most favorably to treatment compared to gray ones.
What To Expect During Your Procedure
During your visit with us at Farmington Family Dental, we begin by taking X-rays to ensure there’s no underlying dental issue causing discoloration or staining before beginning any treatment plan. Next, Dr. Perry will apply a protective barrier over sensitive areas such as gums before applying resin trays filled with bleaching agents directly onto your teeth surfaces. Depending on how deep the stains are on your teeth surfaces, Dr. Perry may take additional steps such as using laser light activation or adding another layer of bleach before sealing off the trays again for 15-20 minutes until desired results are achieved (multiple sessions may be necessary). Afterward, Dr. Perry will rinse off any remaining bleach agent before reviewing aftercare instructions with you so that you know exactly what to do next!
When it comes to teeth whitening in Farmington, it’s always best to trust professionals. At Farmington Family Dental, we use high-quality products that are proven safe. When administered under the care of an experienced dentist like Dr. Steven Perry, you can be sure that your treatment will be tailored specifically for your individual needs—all while ensuring maximum safety and comfort throughout the entire process. Plus with professional teeth whitening treatments at our office in Farmington, you can enjoy results up to 8 shades brighter than over-the-counter products!
Achieving a radiant smile shouldn’t have to break the bank or take up too much of your precious time. Thankfully, Dr. Steven Perry at Farmington Family Dental understands this concern and offers affordable and efficient teeth whitening in Farmington. Don’t let your budget or schedule be an excuse anymore. The benefits of a brighter, more confident smile are limitless, and our team is here to help you achieve that. Schedule a consultation with us today, and in no time, you’ll be ready to proudly show off your pearly whites. Trust us; you won’t regret it.