Whitening your teeth is an inexpensive and safe procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. It is a very popular cosmetic dental treatment. The whitening process works by lightening discoloration of tooth enamel to achieve a brighter more radiant smile. Staining of the teeth is caused by foods, beverages, certain medications, and aging. Many people choose to whiten their teeth in order to enhance their smile and increase their confidence.
Teeth whitening is achieved by applying a bleaching agent to the teeth, usually hydrogen peroxide. There are many different products on the market that are designed to whiten your teeth, and each product is formulated for specific types of staining. These products can be purchased over-the-counter and range from mild cleansers to whitening toothpastes to mouthwashes and whitening strips. There are also a number of in-office professional whitening procedures that can whiten your teeth in less than an hour, including laser whitening and Zoom QuickPro.
There are a number of risks associated with the use of whitening agents, including increased tooth and gum sensitivity, enamel damage, and even tooth decay. These risks can be minimized by consulting with your dentist before starting a whitening regimen.
Over-the-counter whitening products contain much lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than those used by dentists. This means that they are less effective at removing stubborn stains. Professional whitening uses a higher concentration of the bleaching agent and can produce dramatic results in just one visit to the dentist.
There is a risk that your teeth may become sensitive after whitening, but this is generally temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter desensitizers. Your dentist will evaluate your sensitivity and recommend the most appropriate whitening agent for you.
The whitening process can be repeated as often as necessary until you reach your desired shade. Once your smile is white, it will typically last a few years before requiring a follow-up whitening session.
If you are looking for a way to brighten your smile, we would be happy to discuss the benefits of teeth whitening in Omaha with you. Contact Eagle Run West Dental Group today to schedule your appointment!
When you receive a whitening at our office, your dentist will start by examining your teeth and taking note of any cavities or other problems that need to be addressed before the whitening process. If any of these issues are discovered, we will schedule an appointment to get them taken care of before whitening your teeth.
Next, we will apply a topical desensitizer to your teeth and gums for the first two nights. This will make your teeth and gums more tolerant of the whitening gel, so you can safely whiten them at home without any discomfort or sensitivity. Then, you will place the whitening trays in your mouth before going to sleep at night and leave them in for a few hours each day until your teeth are white. Once you achieve your desired level of brightness, simply wear the whitening trays every now and then to maintain your new look.