Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?
Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to several reasons, such as drinking coffee or red wine, smoking, and a natural part of the aging process. Teeth whitening can help safely remove these surface stains, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance.
Teeth whitening also works on natural tooth discoloration, boosting your smile’s appearance even if your teeth tend to be darker than you like.
Whitening is a fast and affordable option for anyone who wants to enhance their teeth. Plus, it’s non-invasive, so there are no long-term commitments when it comes to updating older restorations.
Even if you have sensitive teeth, you can still safely whiten your teeth. Using a sensitivity toothpaste before, during, and after your treatment can help minimize tooth sensitivity. Additionally, you may want to consider using home kits every other day instead of daily to help reduce irritation.
Is Professional Whitening Better Than Over-the-Counter Kits?
While over-the-counter kits may seem cheaper initially, they are not as effective or safe as professional teeth whitening treatments. As a result, you have to whiten more often and continue purchasing additional products. Even then, the results often fail to match professional-grade whitening gels.
At Cartwright Dental, we use high-quality whitening products that are specially designed for maximum results. Additionally, our cosmetic dentist Dr. Jeff Cartwright will monitor your progress and ensure that the treatment is safe and comfortable. With professional teeth whitening, you can see faster results and maintain them more easily in the years ahead.
How to Maintain Your Whitening Results
To maintain your whitening results, it’s important to avoid any foods and drinks that might re-stain your teeth and to brush and floss regularly. You can also touch up your smile with periodic professional teeth whitening treatments. If you’re using take-home trays, we recommend bleaching your teeth for 3-4 sessions after each of your six-month checkup appointments. Simply store the gel in the refrigerator when it’s not in use.
Do I Qualify for Teeth Whitening?
Most people are suitable candidates for teeth whitening as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. However, any visible restorations, such as fillings or crowns, will not respond to the whitening gel, so they may need to be updated after whitening your teeth. Or you can whiten your teeth right before you plan to update these restorations.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best that you wait to whiten your teeth until later. During your consultation with Dr. Jeff Cartwright, he will assess your oral health, discuss your expectations, and determine if teeth whitening is right for you.