Safe Steps to Whiter Teeth
Your pearly whites inevitably lose luster over time. Using tobacco, as well as consuming dark foods and beverages, can discolor tooth enamel. Thanks to modern dental technology, our team at Grinnell Street Dental can renew your smile’s glow. We can consult with you on using over-the-counter products or in-office teeth whitening procedures.
Consult a Dentist at Grinnell Street Dental Offices First
At your visit, we can assess the level of whitening necessary for the results you’d like to achieve. Before determining your need for whitening products, a professional cleaning and checkup will allow us to identify any issues that might interfere. If you have inflammation or cavities, completing treatment on those problem areas is critical before starting any whitening treatment. Some ingredients in teeth whitening solutions may damage untreated cavities and diseased gum tissue.
Follow Directions
Directions are critical in most cases, especially when using teeth whitening products. Whether you prefer an in-office whitening treatment or an at-home solution, follow the directions for use. Applying too much at-home solution may result in gum irritation. Whitening agents contain powerful chemicals, and if you don’t follow directions, results are not guaranteed. For a few hours after treatment, avoid dark or acidic foods and beverages that can cause discoloration.
Keep Expectations Realistic
Crowns, veneers, and dental prosthetics will not whiten. If replacement teeth are visible when you smile, a whitening product could cause uneven color.
Our professional whitening solutions can whiten natural tooth enamel up to 8 or 10 shades. Avoid acidic foods and beverages during and immediately after treatment. Remember that continuing treatment beyond professional recommendations will not necessarily result in a brighter smile.
Don’t Ignore Sensitivity
Sensitivity is common during and following whitening treatments. However, discontinue treatment if the product causes gum inflammation or if tooth sensitivity begins to bother you throughout the day. Consult Grinnell Street Dental if sensitivity becomes an issue following your teeth-whitening treatment.
Grinnell Dentistry Whitening Options
At Grinnell Street Dental, we offer in-office whitening options to remove discoloration. The process is simple. First, your lips and gums will be covered for protection. Then, a special bleaching gel will be applied and activated with a curing light. Finally, you’ll leave with a noticeably brighter smile. The entire process takes just over an hour, in most cases.
Our professional at-home whitening is a great option for people with a busy lifestyle. After your consultation, we will make custom trays that you will use in the comfort of your home. Treatment takes around two weeks, but varies from one patient to the next. Once the initial treatment is complete, reuse your custom trays as needed for touch-ups.
On rare occasions, professional teeth whitening doesn’t work. If whitening doesn’t work for you, porcelain veneers might be the solution to restore your beautiful smile.
To keep your keep your smile bright and white, talk with a Grinnell Street Dental dentist today. Call our Sheridan, Wyoming dentist office at 307-672-7567 to schedule your routine cleaning and checkup or to talk about whitening options.
