Teeth Whitening
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be a low cost, minimally invasive procedure that can yield a dramatic improvement in the appearance of all of your teeth all at once. There are many different options for teeth whitening depending on how quickly you need to see results and when it’s most convenient for you (i.e. for an hour at home or overnight while you are sleeping). If you have an upcoming wedding, graduation, or photo event then whitening your teeth can add that WOW factor you might be looking for!
Tips for Teeth Whitening
If you are planning to whiten your teeth soon, Dr. Garza recommends that you replace your regular toothpaste with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth (active ingredients should include potassium nitrate) for two weeks prior to and during the days you whiten your teeth. Most sensitivity that occurs during teeth whitening will go away on its own in about two weeks after you stop whitening. You can also help prevent sensitivity by wiping off any whitening gel that spreads beyond the trays onto your gums. It is also important to use the whitening material only for the recommended amount of time. Wearing the trays or strips for a longer amount of time increases the chance you will experience sensitivity and does not greatly improve whitening results.
To maintain the whiteness of your teeth, avoid smoking, foods, and drinks that can stain or darken the appearance of your teeth such as tea or coffee. Brush and floss regularly to remove any plaque and calculus that builds up on your teeth which also can make the teeth look discolored.
Different Options for Teeth Whitening
In-Office Whitening Treatments
In-office whitening is most effective when used in combination with at-home whitening trays. During the in-office portion, a high strength whitening material will be placed on your teeth. Your comfort and safety are our top priority. We will place barriers around your gums and mouth to protect them from the whitening material.
Custom Whitening Trays
For the best combination of low teeth sensitivity and great whitening results, we recommend custom bleaching trays. The trays are made to fit tightly around your teeth which will help to minimize the amount of whitening agents that escape the tray and spread onto your roots and gums. This will lower your chance of feeling sensitivity from the whitening treatment.
Also the trays are sturdy enough that they can be saved and reused in the future when your teeth may need a touch up of whitening.
Whitening Strips
The advantage of whitening strips is they can be bought over-the-counter. The whitening material is adequately strong to provide good results if you use them as directed. Also, the cost of whitening strips may be lower than the cost of the other whitening treatments. However, since the strips are one-size-fits-all the strips may extend onto your gums which can cause irritation and sensitivity.
Call Northpointe Family Dentistry in Cypress, TX today to learn more about our teeth whitening options!
