Teeth stains and discoloration from coffee, red wine, and tea are common sources of dissatisfaction among patients. Fortunately, anyone who is satisfied with the shape and position of their teeth but doesn’t like their shade is a good candidate for teeth whitening at Cedarwood Dentistry!
A general rule of thumb is to strive for your teeth to match the white of your eyes. That shade varies from one person to the next, but the side-by-side comparison of eyes to teeth provides a guideline.
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Teeth Whitening Methods We Use At Cedarwood Dentistry
With countless teeth whitening products on the market, deciphering the effectiveness of different methods proves challenging. Teeth whitening is based on two factors: the percentage of whitener in the product and the amount of time the product is in contact with the teeth. These two variables determine the effectiveness of a whitening method.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Midlothian
Custom trays made by your dentist with whitening gel that you use at home provides the best solution for teeth whitening. This option offers the best results because it contains the highest percentage of whitening product while being safe, and it will incorporate onto the teeth the best because the trays are custom-made. The trays fitting perfectly to your teeth allows the product to get between and around each tooth. You’ll also be able to comfortably wear the trays longer than bulky store-bought whitening strips and trays.
An additional benefit of professional teeth whitening is the precautions taken to minimize tooth sensitivity resulting from whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Some patients opt for putting Sensodyne toothpaste in the tray along with the gel to reduce sensitivity further.
One of the top reasons to get your teeth whitened by a dentist instead of a med spa is that the dentist will check for fillings or crowns on your front teeth. You might not even be aware of these synthetic materials in your mouth because they are so well-hidden, but it’s important to know that they will not respond to the whitening agents. Without checking for fillings and crowns prior to whitening, you may compromise the uniformity of your teeth’s color.
Whitening Strips & Store-Bought Trays
Crest White Strips and other options you can get from the grocery store are effective; however, they might not be as effective and thorough as professional products. Additionally, many whitening strips do not have desensitizing agents or fluoride in them. The hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide used to whiten your teeth can cause sensitivity, so also having fluoride or desensitizing agents in your whitening product is important for reducing potential sensitivity issues.
Whitening Toothpastes & Mouthwashes
Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes lack effectiveness because the whitening agents in those products do not remain in contact with the teeth long enough for noticeable whitening to occur. Additionally, we rarely recommend whitening toothpastes because they contain many abrasives and can actually buff off your enamel. Especially if you have root exposure, the abrasiveness can lead to severe sensitivity.
Whitening toothpaste will remove surface stains, but it will not remove stains that are soaked into your teeth. So if you are a longtime coffee or red wine drinker and have stains set into your teeth, whitening toothpaste will not remove those stains.
Professional Teeth Whitening Process & Patient Results
Teeth whitening at Cedarwood Dentistry in Midlothian is simple. First, we create a custom-made tray for your teeth. Then, you wear your trays at home for 30 minutes to an hour and a half for ten to fifteen consecutive days.
Results depend on each patient’s situation and are influenced by several factors. The source of your stains greatly impacts your results. For typical stains, such as coffee, red wine, or tea, patients can expect to remove most of those stains through professional teeth whitening and gain a very white smile. However, antibiotic stains, such as from Tetracycline, are extremely difficult to whiten because the pigment is intrinsic to the tooth. For these patients, other cosmetic dentistry services can help them achieve their best smile.
To keep your newly whitened smile long term, we recommend a maintenance plan. After the initial ten to fifteen days of whitening, patients should whiten for at least an hour once a month. That frequency should maintain an adequate level of whiteness.
For Your Brightest Smile, Choose Professional Teeth Whitening
Don’t waste money on ineffective and potentially harmful teeth whitening products. Cedarwood Dentistry provides professional teeth whitening services for those wanting a brighter smile. Ask us about a teeth whitening plan at your next dental appointment, and gain the confidence you deserve!
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.