Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance your smile. At Cedarwood Dentistry in Midlothian, we offer a variety of teeth whitening methods tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the different whitening options available at our practice and provide some insights into how we ensure the safety and efficacy of these treatments.
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Understanding Teeth Whitening Options in Midlothian
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are generally two categories of options: over-the-counter products and professional treatments. Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips, are readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
Dr. Christopher Wolberg of Cedarwood Dentistry notes that the main advantage is their accessibility; anyone can purchase and use them. The downside, however, is that these products are one-size-fits-all, and as we all know, everyone’s teeth are different.
Dr. Wolberg’s Recommended Approach To Teeth Whitening
At Cedarwood Dentistry, our preferred teeth whitening method involves the use of custom trays. This process begins with taking an impression or mold of your teeth. We then provide you with these custom trays and ten tubes of whitening gel to use at home. This method offers a ton of flexibility.
“For instance,” Dr. Wolberg explains, “if you experience any sensitivity, you can wear the trays for a shorter amount of time or even load them up with toothpaste. You can essentially create your own whitening schedule.”
When recommending a particular whitening option to patients, we consider several factors. One of the most important is each patient’s potential compliance level. Teeth whitening requires some work at home, so it’s essential to choose an option that fits into your lifestyle. While whitening strips may be cheaper, custom trays tend to be more effective.
It’s also important to note that whitening treatments won’t change the color of crowns, implant crowns, or large fillings. Therefore, if you have any of these, it’s something to be aware of when considering teeth whitening.
Ensuring Safety and Efficacy to Get the Smile You Want
Another one of the main concerns with over-the-counter products is that they can potentially bleach or burn your gum tissue. With our custom trays, this risk is significantly reduced. You simply add the gel to the trays, and you’re good to go. The trays are also customizable based on levels of sensitivity, providing a safer and more comfortable whitening experience.
This is also one of the reasons it’s important to talk to your teens about teeth whitening, if it’s something they are interested in. We can help make sure teens are being safe when whitening their teeth and taking any special needs into consideration.
How To Maintain Your Bright Smile
Maintaining the results of teeth whitening is crucial for long-term success. To extend the longevity of your teeth whitening results, it’s important to be mindful of dietary and lifestyle habits that can cause staining.
Consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can impact the effectiveness of whitening treatments, just as they would for non-whitened teeth. Regular brushing, preferably with an electric toothbrush, can also help maintain your bright smile.
We’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted – schedule an appointment with us to discuss the best options for you.
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.
For more information on maintaining oral health, check out this comprehensive guide from the American Dental Association.