How to Maintain Your Bright Smile After Whitening
While professional teeth whitening can light up your smile, your results won’t last forever, especially if you stick to old habits that stained your teeth in the first place. Smoking and tobacco use should be avoided as these chemicals can damage your teeth and cause them to discolor quickly. To ensure a long-lasting, bright smile, you should follow a quality oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. A toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth may also be beneficial following your in-office teeth whitening procedure.
The first 48 hours after your teeth whitening procedure are essential in creating long-lasting results. During this time, you should avoid acid-based foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, like tea, coffee, and red wine. Your recently whitened teeth may also be sensitive to temperature, so extreme hot and cold should also be avoided. If you have any questions about the best way to maintain your bright, white smile after your in-office teeth whitening, please contact us at Birch Family Dental today.
Comparing Professional and Over-the-Counter Whitening Options
Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental procedure both in a professional setting and through over-the-counter whitening treatments. At Birch Family Dental, we use Epic laser teeth whitening to deliver a brighter, whiter smiler in a single visit that takes as little as 20 minutes. This advanced laser whitening technology is designed to provide high-quality results with minimal discomfort. But what is the difference between Epic laser whitening technology and over-the-counter whitening treatments? Here are some factors you should consider when choosing between professional and at-home teeth whitening:
Length of Results
According to the Oral Health Foundation, professional teeth whitening results can last up to three years with proper dental care. In comparison, over-the-counter whitening treatments typically last a few months.
Safety
Professional whitening treatments are offered in a medical setting by trained dental professionals, making them a safe cosmetic procedure. At-home whitening kits can run the risk of overuse or incorrect application, which can cause gum irritation, enamel erosion, and tooth sensitivity.
Cost
While the initial cost of professional teeth whitening is more expensive than over-the-counter alternatives, the long-term results can save you on the need for multiple at-home whitening treatments to maintain your bright smile.
Convenience
Over-the-counter whitening products offer the convenience of being used at home compared to a trip to the dentist. However, you will need multiple at-home treatments to match the same lifespan as a professional teeth whitening.
For those seeking long-term, bright results with minimal maintenance treatments, professional teeth whitening is the right choice. Not only is it safe and effective, but the overall cost benefits and superior results make it a great option for those looking to make a dramatic change to their smiles.
Common Myths About Teeth Whitening
With the growing popularity of teeth whitening, several myths and misconceptions have come about. Here are some of these myths and the truths behind them:
Myth: You can whiten tooth restorations.
Truth: Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments only work on natural teeth and can’t brighten veneers, crowns, or fillings.
Myth: You should avoid whitening if you have sensitive teeth.
Truth: Advancements in professional teeth whitening options allow for those with tooth sensitivity to still receive whitening treatments. Before beginning teeth whitening treatments, you should discuss any sensitivity concerns with your dentist.
Myth: Teeth whitening is harmful to your enamel.
Truth: Teeth whitening is a safe option that does not harm enamel when performed by a trained professional.
Myth: Teeth whitening removes all of your stains and discolorations.
Truth: While professional teeth whitening can offer dramatic results, not all stains and discolorations can be removed. Genetics, age, and the severity of the stains all play a role in the level of whitening you can achieve.
Myth: Over-the-counter whitening options are just as effective as professional teeth whitening.
Truth: Professional teeth whitening treatments can be tailored to your individual needs and often use stronger bleaching agents than what is found in over-the-counter products.
Dr. Birch uses an innovative whitening treatment to brighten your smile in a single appointment! Our in-office whitening treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth at a fraction of the cost of other whitening systems. We invite you to call Birch Family Dental at 307-875-3658 to schedule a consultation with a highly trained dental professional and learn more about in-office teeth whitening in Green River, Wyoming.
Professional, in-office teeth whitening is one of the fastest and most effective cosmetic treatments available. Teeth whitening brightens and enhances the appearance of your teeth in as little as a single appointment at our office.
In-office teeth whitening involves the use of a powerful gel. This whitening gel is applied to the surface of your teeth and activated with a special light. The gel then works to break up stains and discolorations on your tooth enamel, lightening it until it is the desired shade of white. By the time you leave our office, your smile will be noticeably whiter. This whitening process can usually be completed in under an hour.
Please remember that while professional whitening treatments can produce dramatic results when brightening your smile, they are not a permanent solution. Your teeth will become dull, stained or discolored over time due to:
- The natural aging process
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tobacco usage, including smoking
- Illness and certain medications
- Foods and drinks that stain
- Fluorosis
You will need to receive professional whitening treatments periodically in order to maintain a white, bright smile.
Give us a call today to schedule your appointment with our dentist and learn more about the benefits of in-office teeth whitening. We look forward to helping you brighten your smile!
*Cost of treatment is $299. Patients are subject to an exam prior to treatment to determine the level of whitening possible
