A teeth whitening procedure can be a fast and effective way to remove stains and brighten your smile. Many people are interested in learning more about our in-office teeth whitening as well as our take-home whitening system. In this post, the team at Bay Area Dental Specialists answers some of the most commonly asked questions about teeth whitening.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whiteners are generally made of peroxide solution in the form of a gel. This gel is applied to the teeth, bleaching the outer layer of each tooth. Stains are broken down, and the teeth appear whiter.
Is Professional Whitening Better Than Over-the-Counter Strips or Toothpaste?
An in-office whitening treatment is more intense and works much faster than whitening trays or strips. Our teeth whitening procedure takes as little as an hour to achieve a brighter smile.
Over-the-counter strips are weaker and more diluted than the at-home treatments a cosmetic dentist can provide. Your dentist can also give you clear instructions so that you perform the at-home treatments properly.
Whitening toothpastes are usually only effective for surface stains. They won’t provide the dramatic results that you can get from a professional whitening treatment.
What Are Alternatives to Whitening Treatments?
Porcelain veneers may be a good option if you’d like to replace yellow, stained, or discolored teeth. Veneers are placed on top of your existing teeth, instantly giving you a whiter smile.
Porcelain veneers can also correct many other issues, including chipped or crooked teeth.
Are Whitening Treatments Safe?
Whitening treatments are safe when administered correctly. The peroxide solution dissolves stains without doing any damage to the internal tooth structure.
During an in-office whitening, your dentist will place a protective barrier over your gums to avoid sensitivity. If you are using an at-home treatment, your dentist will tell you how to avoid getting the peroxide gel on your gums or other parts of your mouth.
How Long Do Whitening Treatments Last?
The results of your teeth whitening treatment aren’t permanent. New stains may begin to slowly appear, depending on how often you eat or drink things that stain your teeth, such as coffee or wine. Your need for additional treatments will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.
Contact the Bay Area Dental Specialists to schedule your appointment at our San Jose cosmetic dentistry office. Call or email us today to schedule your next teeth whitening treatment.