Customizing Your Teeth Whitening Experience
A bright and healthy-looking smile can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-confidence and overall appearance. While there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Teeth whitening treatments are available in a variety of types and can be performed either in-office or at home, depending on your dentist’s services.
To learn more about our teeth whitening methods at our Tacoma, WA, dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (253) 761-5422 to schedule an appointment.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening, also known as office whitening or chairside whitening, is the most popular and effective teeth whitening method. This process is performed in the dentist’s office and involves the use of powerful bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that are applied directly to the teeth. The bleaching agent is activated using a special light or laser, which speeds up the whitening process.
In-office whitening treatments usually take about an hour to complete and can provide dramatic results in a single session. A professional teeth whitening procedure is ideal for individuals who want fast, dramatic results or who have deep stains that can’t be effectively treated with at-home whitening kits.
Depending on your dentist, you may undergo teeth whitening with:
- ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Systems
- Deep Bleaching
- Opalescence Boost
- Brite Smile
- KöR Whitening
- Laser Teeth Whitening
If you’re ready to learn more about the teeth whitening process, contact our Tacoma dentists today to achieve whiter teeth.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening can be performed at home using custom-made whitening trays and a professional-strength whitening gel provided by your dentist. The whitening trays are created from impressions of your teeth to ensure a comfortable and precise fit.
At-home professional teeth whitening kits are typically less expensive than in-office treatments and can provide excellent results over time. While at-home whitening treatments may take longer to achieve the desired level of whitening compared to in-office treatments, they offer a convenient and cost-effective option for those who prefer to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own homes.
Whitening Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after a teeth whitening treatment. This sensitivity may occur due to the whitening agent used in the treatment or by the trays used to hold the gel in place.
If you have tooth sensitivity, there are several options and considerations to keep in mind:
- Choose a dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth: A dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth will be able to identify potential problems and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
- Use a lower-strength bleaching agent: A lower-strength bleaching agent can be used to minimize the risk of sensitivity. This may require more frequent treatments to achieve the desired results.
- Use desensitizing agents: Desensitizing agents can be applied to the teeth before or after the whitening treatment to reduce sensitivity.
- Consider at-home teeth whitening: At-home treatments can be a good option for individuals with sensitive teeth, as they can be used at a slower pace to minimize sensitivity.
- Avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening products: Over-the-counter products, such as teeth whitening strips or teeth whitening toothpaste, can cause tooth sensitivity. Contact your dentist for a professional office whitening treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can professional teeth whitening remove all stains?
While professional teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove many types of surface stains, they may not be able to remove all types of stains. Deep, intrinsic stains caused by medication, trauma, or genetics may require additional treatments or cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, to effectively improve the appearance of the teeth.
Can I get a teeth whitening treatment if I have dental restorations?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are most effective on natural teeth and may not produce the same results on dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. It’s important to discuss any dental restorations with your dentist before undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment to determine the best course of action.
Can I undergo teeth whitening if I have braces?
Professional teeth whitening treatments aren’t recommended for individuals with braces, as the bleaching agent can’t penetrate the brackets and wires. However, once the braces are removed, a professional teeth whitening treatment can be performed to achieve a brighter, more even smile.
How often can I undergo professional teeth whitening treatments?
The frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments will depend on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. Most dentists recommend waiting at least six months between treatments to avoid over-bleaching the teeth and causing sensitivity.
Discover a Brighter Smile at Petrie Advanced Dental With Teeth Whitening!
Do you want whiter teeth? Contact our dentist today to learn more about professional teeth whitening treatments and see which option is best for you. Don’t let stained or discolored teeth hold you back from feeling confident and proud of your smile. Get your teeth whitened today!
Contact our Tacoma dentist’s office by calling (253) 761-5422 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation. Petrie Advanced Dental proudly provides cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
