3 Reasons to Visit a Dentist for Teeth Whitening

Over time, teeth can obtain an unattractive yellow tint from stains often stemming from coffee, red wine, or tobacco. These types of issues often cannot be treated with a whitening toothpaste alone. Often, the only way to make your yellow teeth white again is to remove the stains with a professional tooth whitening procedure

Teeth whitening is not recommended for anyone under 15 years old. At 12 or 13 years old, we have all our adult teeth. Our teeth then go through a process called enamel calcification occurring up to two years after your last adult tooth. If you try to use an over-the-counter whitening product or if you have a teeth whitening procedure at the dentist too young, it can result in severely sensitive teeth.

Teeth whitening at home kits using whitening strips, DIY methods, and professional whitening procedures are common solutions to whiten your teeth. The best whitening treatment is performed by a dentist for three major reasons.

1 – The Treatment Is Quicker and Lasts Longer
Many over the counter whitening products claim that you will see visible results immediately. While it is possible for your teeth to whiten up by a shade or two, it can take up to four months to achieve maximum results. An over-the-counter treatment will not last nearly as long as a professional whitening treatment. So how long does professional teeth whitening last? You’ll enjoy flashing your pearly whites between six months to a year compared to many home kits that must be reapplied every four months.

2 – Brighter Results
Over the counter whitening kits are designed to lighten the stains on the teeth’s surface. If you have stains below the enamel, however, these products won’t help. The whitening agents used in the dentist office penetrates the enamel and remove deep stains making your smile whiter and brighter.

3 – Safety Precautions
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments can be a gamble as there’s no way to adjust the ingredients to make them less powerful. If the product is too strong for your teeth, it can harm the enamel or increase your chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. If you have gingivitis and use a take-home kit, your teeth won’t whiten evenly. When you see a dentist for teeth whitening, he or she will examine your enamel, teeth, and gums to provide the correct amount of concentration of the whitening agent.

How to Whiten Teeth
There are a variety of teeth whitening methods used by dentists. The method that the dentist chooses for you depends on your oral health and may include a tray-based system or in-office bleaching.

Tray-Based Systems
Tray-based systems are a popular option in dentist offices. While you are in the office, the dentist will apply a whitening agent to your teeth. Next, they shine a special light on your teeth to activate the whitening agent. A mold of the shape of your mouth is created so you can fill the tray with a whitening agent at night and put it in your mouth for 15 minutes for a month.

In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching is the fasted way to whiten your teeth. The procedure is like the tray based system; however, the bleach remains on your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. If you have deep stains on your teeth, you might require a second treatment.

HollowBrook Dental offers four different teeth whitening options depending on your teeth, stains, and sensitivity. For a whiter smile contact HollowBrook Dental in Colorado Springs for professional teeth whitening.