Teeth Whitening in Winston Salem, NC
In Office Dental Whitening at Zackeru Family Dentistry
Professional teeth whitening at the dentist is a cosmetic procedure that is different from at-home whitening kits. We’ll help answer some of your questions about it before you book an appointment.
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What Causes Teeth Staining?
Teeth get stained from a number of sources, including food and drink. Coffee, tea, and red wine all have color pigments that stick to the enamel of your teeth. If you use tobacco, the tar and nicotine can create yellow stains. Even some medications have the side effect of darkening your teeth. If your teeth have experienced trauma of some sort, they may turn a darker color. On a more natural note, teeth lose some of the white enamel as you age, revealing the yellow dentin beneath it.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Not everyone can benefit from professional teeth whitening, so it’s important to discuss it with your dentist first.
- People with very sensitive teeth might not be a good candidate for teeth whitening because the peroxide in the whitener can get through the enamel and irritate the nerves in your teeth. There are ways to prevent the sensitivity, so this is something to discuss with your dentist.
- In general, teenagers and young adults respond more dramatically to dental whitening procedures. The older you get, the less effective the whitening may be. It’s also important to remember that teeth whitening results are not permanent. You’ll have to keep getting the treatments to maintain the level of whiteness you prefer.
- If you have tooth restorations that match the current shade of your teeth, you should know that they will not change color. You’ll end up with teeth of different colors.
What Is The Difference Between At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits and Professional Teeth Whitening at The Dentist?
At-home whitening kits are popular because they cost less than a visit to the dentist, and they can be used in the convenience of your own home. There are reasons to prefer a professional, in-office teeth whitening procedure. The benefits of a professional whitening include:
- Dental supervision. Your dentist knows more about your teeth than you do, and he or she can make sure you are a good candidate for dental whitening.
- Careful monitoring of the procedure. Because professionals are handling the procedure, an in-office teeth whitening safely utilizes a higher concentration of the whitening gel for faster and whiter results. The sensitivity of your teeth and gums will also be carefully monitored in the dentist office.
- Fast results. In-office whitening procedures result in whiter teeth in one appointment, whereas at-home kits may take several weeks to reach the same shade of white.
The Teeth Whitening Procedure
It’s important to get an initial examination and cleaning from your dentist before you get professional teeth whitening. Your dentist can make sure the treatment is right for you, and the cleaning will help make the most of your whitening procedure.
Before the treatment happens, your dentist or hygienist will use a lip retractor to keep your mouth open. They will apply gauze in your mouth to keep it dry. Your gums will get protected with a rubber dam, and your lips and cheeks will also get protected with a muco-protectant gel.
The dentist or hygienist will then begin the treatment by painting gel on your teeth. After 20 minutes the gel will be removed from your teeth, and a new coat will be applied for another round of whitening. You may go through three or four rounds, depending on how white you’d like to go.
Teeth Whitening vs. Teeth Bleaching
Confused about the two terms? Whitening is usually the word used to describe the process of removing stains to restore your teeth’s natural color. Bleaching is a term that applies to products with ingredients that can whiten teeth beyond their natural color. Whitening has a more pleasant connotation than bleaching, so it is used more often, even when the procedure is technically a “teeth bleaching” procedure.
How Much Does it Cost?
On average, an in-office teeth whitening procedure can cost $500 or more. Talk to your dentist for a specific price for your treatment.
Teeth Whitening at Zackeru Family Dentistry
Zackeru Family Dentistry offers a range of professional cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss whitening your teeth, please contact us. We’re happy to help you get the smile of your dreams!