Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that improves the look of your smile by removing years of stains and discolorations. Whiteners used for professional teeth whitening are designed to remove stains from both the enamel and dentin layers, which makes your teeth whiter and brighter after only one session. Most whiteners are either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and work by oxidizing colored molecules in order to dissolve them.
Did You Know?
During a single in-office whitening session, your teeth can be whitened about 5-10 shades. This is because dental professionals use a higher concentration of whitener that cannot be used in over the counter whitening treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
You may be a candidate for teeth whitening if you are looking for an easy, effective, and affordable way to improve the look of your smile by removing stains. However, ideal candidates for teeth whitening must be in good oral health, meaning no tooth decay or gum disease. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with Maxtown Family Dental today.
What can I expect when having my teeth whitened at Maxtown Family Dental?
When having your teeth whitened at Maxtown Family Dental, you will first need to have your teeth cleaned. This removes all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth so that there is a clean foundation on which to apply the whitener. Once your teeth are cleaned, then the whitener will be brushed onto the surface of your teeth. In some cases, your dentist may also use a customized clear tray that fits over your teeth. The whitener will remain in place for approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the specific type and treatment goals. During this time, a special light may also be used to help the whitener penetrate the tooth surface. Afterwards, the whitener will be rinsed off of your teeth.
What can I expect after having my teeth whitened?
Even after the whitener has been rinsed off your teeth, it will actively continue to whiten your teeth for 24 hours after its initial application. This means that you should temporarily avoid consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages during this time in order to maximize your results. You may also experience some minor tooth sensitivity after having your teeth whitened, although this usually goes away within a few days.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to three years, however the average is about a year. This is because how long your results last will depend partially on your diet and oral hygiene habits. Generally speaking, people who regularly consume foods and beverages that contain lots of pigments will have results that don’t last as long as those who don’t consume highly pigmented foods and beverages. Additionally, people who are diligent about brushing after meals can also make their results last longer.
Since teeth whitening is a temporary cosmetic treatment, your dentist may suggest maintaining your results with take-home whitening trays. These trays are generally worn for a specific amount of time and can help maintain a whiter smile. Using whitening toothpaste 1-2 times a week can also help maintain your results.
