Want a Whiter Smile?

Everyone wants a dazzling smile but achieving bright pearly whites is not always easy. Having a white smile can improve your appearance, boost your self-esteem, and help you smile with confidence. Unfortunately, teeth can easily become stained or discolored due to smoking, certain foods and drinks, some medications, and a plethora of other causes. If you aspire to have a whiter smile, consider professional teeth whitening. Your Melbourne, FL dentist offers safe and effective teeth whitening procedures that can lighten teeth up to eight shades.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you desire a whiter smile in the least amount of time possible, professional tooth whitening may be the solution for you. Professional teeth whitening is performed under the supervision of a trained Melbourne, FL dentist. This makes it a safe option for people who are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products.

At Artistic Touch Dentistry, our teeth whitening process involves making an impression to create a custom “mouthguard” or “stent” used to hold the bleach against the teeth. The mouthguard and bleaching material are used each night for a three to four hour period time frame. This is done for a total of one to two weeks. Over time, the teeth should become noticeably whiter. This is an excellent option for people who want quick results accomplished in the comfort of their own home.

Some dentists also offer in-office teeth whitening which takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Before you begin, your dentist will examine the current shade of your teeth and speak to you about what you can realistically expect to achieve in one session. If your teeth are extremely stained or discolored, know that it may take several sessions to get the desired results.

To prepare the teeth for whitening, the dentist will use pumice to polish the teeth. This grainy material helps to remove any plaque stuck to the tooth surface. During the process, gauze will be used to keep the teeth dry. Your dentist may also insert retractors to help keep the tongue, lips, and cheeks away from the teeth and the whitening solution. The gums will also be protected by placing a barrier along the gum line.

After the mouth has been prepared, a whitening solution is applied to the front surface of the teeth. Professional solutions include a bleaching agent like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Professional whitening procedures generally require the use of a laser or curing light to activate the peroxide. The solution is then left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. It may need to be reapplied on occasion.

During this waiting period, the dentist will regularly check on the progress of the whitening. After the teeth reach a desirable stage of white, or the maximum amount of time the solution can be left on the teeth has passed, the dentist will carefully rinse the teeth to remove the solution. Any tooth sensitivity can be eased by applying a fluoride application.

Alternative Whitening Methods

Professional teeth whitening is the fastest and most effective way towards a whiter smile. However, there are things you can do at home to prevent discoloration and maintain a beautiful smile. Start by adding more fruits and veggies to your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only good for your health, but can also help rub away plaque and whiten teeth.

It’s also important to avoid foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth. Soda, coffee, red wine, and dark berries are some of the biggest culprits. If you do decide to eat or drink these things, rinse out your mouth with water afterwards. Additionally, avoid other lifestyle choices that can stain or discolor teeth. These included smoking and the use of chewing tobacco. Continue to brush and floss regularly to keep plaque and bacteria at bay.

Today, there are many teeth whitening products on the market. Not all are deemed safe for home use so be cautious before using any type of whitening kits. Most teeth whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes found over-the-counter are safe to use and can help maintain white teeth, especially when they are used following a professional tooth whitening session.

Schedule Professional Teeth Whitening

Are you ready to achieve a whiter, brighter smile? The friendly dental team at Artistic Touch Dentistry can help. Contact us today to get started with your teeth whitening procedure.