How Teeth Whitening Works
Although drugstore products promise a brighter smile, your best bet will always be to consult your dentist and use a professional product. With a dentist, you will have more dramatic results, your gums will be protected, and you will receive a customized plan. You will have two options: an in-office visit or take-home trays. The in-office appointment will take less time, but you may prefer the convenience of whitening your teeth in the privacy of your own home. They can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you.
If you choose the in-office appointment, you can expect to see whiter teeth in just an hour or two. Once we have ensured that your gums are protected, we will apply a bleaching gel and activate it with a dental lamp. When you’ve achieved your desired level of whiteness, we will remove the gel and you’ll leave the office with a brilliant new smile.
If you choose the take-home trays, be sure to follow our instructions to prevent uneven whitening and irritated gums. The trays should be fitted to your mouth, making them comfortable to wear and use. Because the bleaching gel has a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the one used in-office, you are less likely to experience gum or tooth sensitivity. However, you will need to repeat the whitening process several times over a period of weeks to achieve your desired level of whiteness.
Avoiding New Stains
After you undergo a teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will undoubtedly be brighter. However, they won’t stay that way forever, especially if you neglect your dental hygiene or choose to eat and drink a lot of staining agents. To protect your investment and maintain your white smile, brush and floss regularly. Ideally, you will do so after every meal. In addition, cut back on foods and drinks that are staining agents or acidic (acid erodes the enamel of teeth, softening them and increasing staining). These include the following:
- Wine, especially red wine
- Tea, especially black tea
- Soda, especially dark cola
- Sports drinks
- Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, and grapes
- Sauces, like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce
- Sweets, such as hard candies and popsicles
Use a straw when you’re drinking staining agents or acidic beverages so that they don’t touch your teeth, and swallow promptly so that your teeth aren’t exposed to risky foods or drinks for long. Finally, swish water around your mouth after eating or drinking to rinse them off. You could also chew sugarless gum.
