Dental restorations do not respond to teeth whitening.
We will always protect your soft tissues before applying any whitening gel.
In the office, we apply the whitening gel directly to your enamel. If you are doing this at home, you will apply it to the inside of your trays and wear them over your teeth.
After whitening your teeth, we will provide you with aftercare tips on how to maintain your new shade.
Many of our patients want to whiten their teeth but struggle to find the time in their hectic schedules to set aside time for a dental appointment. Thankfully, with take-home whitening, you never have to leave your house.
This is also a suitable option for sensitive teeth due to the lower peroxide concentration. After coming in for a quick appointment to take teeth impressions, a dental lab will fabricate custom-made whitening trays for you to wear at home.
Once ready, you come back to the office to pick them up and begin your treatment. Instructions will tell you how to apply the whitening agent and how long to wear the whitening trays. Typically, treatment takes 1 to 2 weeks to achieve final results.
This is the most effective and instant whitening treatment that can lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades in a single one-hour appointment. After holding your mouth open with a cheek protractor and using a protective gel to prevent your gums from coming into contact with the whitening agent, we will apply the whitener to your tooth enamel.
This gel is light-activated so we will expose your teeth to UV light to cure it. This catalyzes the reaction for faster results. After an hour, this will be rinsed out and you’ll see dramatic results instantly.
Teeth whitening can last for up to 3 years with proper care.
Teeth whitening is the least invasive and most affordable cosmetic treatment that produces the fastest results. In-office whitening can banish tooth stains in just a one-hour appointment, lightening the shade of your teeth by up to 10 shades.
Have sensitive teeth? Don’t worry, we offer a take-home option that reduces sensitivity by using a lower concentration of peroxide. Many of us are quite in tune with the way we look and how we are perceived by others.
When we don’t feel that we look our best, it can take a toll on our self-confidence and cause us to shut ourselves off from opportunities and socialization. By improving your smile, you’ll also reduce insecurity that’s affecting your self-esteem and mental health.
Teeth whitening not only improves the appearance of your teeth but your overall smile. People with whiter teeth look younger and are perceived as being more competent which can be the difference between you getting or missing out on that job interview.
Yes, teeth whitening causes tooth sensitivity. This is a common side effect that results from demineralization. The whitening agent bleaches your teeth through oxygenation - releasing oxygen molecules that break down staining molecules.
To do that, however, we need to expose the dentin layer of your tooth through demineralization so the whitening agent can work its way through the multiple layers of your tooth to remove intrinsic stains.
The microtubules in your teeth that are exposed are also connected to your nerves, which is why your teeth feel hypersensitive after getting your teeth whitened. This is very short-lived, as your teeth will return to normal within 48 hours when your teeth naturally remineralize.
The lifespan of your whitening treatment depends on how well you keep up with the prevention of stains. You can expect your teeth to remain white after your treatment anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
The more you consume staining foods and drinks or use tobacco products, the more discolored your teeth will become. To prevent discoloration and preserve your newly whitened teeth, follow these tips:
No, teeth whitening isn’t painful but it may cause minor tooth sensitivity or discomfort in some patients, especially if you received a high concentration of peroxide.
Take NSAIDs, avoid foods at extreme temperatures, try using a desensitizing gel, and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth until these symptoms are alleviated. The actual application of whitening is painless and doesn’t require any anesthetic.
One is not necessarily better than the other. They both have their advantages and one may be more suitable for you depending on what your aesthetic goals and priorities are.
If you want to whiten your teeth as fast as possible and don’t mind spending a little bit more money for improved convenience and efficiency, then in-office whitening is a great option for special events and formal photos that are just around the corner.
However, if you would prefer not to make a trip to the dental office or expose your teeth to UV light because you have sensitive teeth, then take-home whitening is a better option for you if you don’t mind a more gradual whitening process.
Both whitening options achieve the same results but involve different processes and treatment durations. If you need help finding out which whitening treatment is right for you, contact us at PS Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sinha.