What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone new? It’s usually a person’s smile. Everyone wants to make a good first impression, whether in social situations or at work, and yellow or stained teeth can be embarrassing.
You’ve probably noticed that the toothpaste aisle at your local drugstore is full of products that claim to whiten your teeth. There’s no doubt about it, teeth whitening is big business. But, over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, strips, mouth molds, gels, and creams can be confusing, messy, and disappointing. Before spending money on do-it-yourself kits, call Dr. Jaquery’s office in Watsonville, CA for information on professional teeth whitening. Professional whitening is faster and provides more impressive results than the home kits available.
Whitening compounds are only effective with the correct amount of the activating agent, hydrogen peroxide. Professional whitening formulas are much stronger than the ones in home kits and also require professional supervision. The stronger formula can damage tooth enamel if used incorrectly or left on the teeth too long. Damaged tooth enamel can turn translucent yellow or make the teeth more sensitive to heat and cold.
Professional whitening will produce lighter shades of white, sometimes in only one treatment. The number of visits for each treatment plan will vary depending on the level of whiteness desired, but each treatment only lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
First, Dr. Jaquery will evaluate your teeth to determine if you’re a good candidate for professional whitening. Tetracycline and fluorosis stains can be difficult to eliminate completely, and Dr. Jaquery may recommend veneers or crowns as an alternative to whitening.
Pro tip — Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, consider replacing old restorations before bleaching begins. After bleaching, Dr. Jaquery will match your new restorations to the shade of your newly whitened teeth. It is also a good idea to whiten your teeth BEFORE your get veneers, because veneers do not respond to whitening treatments.
In-office treatment delivers immediate results. While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light is used to enhance the action of the solution. At the end of the procedure, we apply a desensitizing agent to reduce sensitivity.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This is temporary and will usually subside within a few days.
Please note that whitening is not permanent. You will need touch-ups to maintain your results. How often you touch up depends on your eating and drinking habits and your desired level of whiteness.
With age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which can become darker over time. Habits like smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored after taking certain medications, such as tetracycline, in childhood. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.
Professional teeth whitening is a non-invasive dental treatment that brightens and lightens your natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are less effective and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Dental care is essential health care, and when you have a dentist who understands the link between your oral health and your overall well-being, a dental visit becomes an entirely different experience. At the practice of Alexandra Jaquery DDS, MS, you can expect:
You will also find the expert guidance you need to achieve optimal dental health and ultimately improve your overall health.
