There are many different ways to whiten your teeth. From products you can buy in the store to treatments provided by your dentist, the options are seemingly endless. What’s the best way to whiten your teeth?
If you guessed professional teeth whitening, you would be right. What makes professional teeth whitening better than other products? How long does professional teeth whitening last? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is essentially prescription strength whitening treatment provided by your dentist. A rubber shield or gel is applied to the gums to protect them from irritation. Then the whitening agent is applied to the teeth and a specialized light is used to activate it and accelerate the whitening process. You can expect to see dramatic results in as little as one treatment.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening treatment offers many benefits:
- Effective. Professional teeth whitening is highly effective at removing stains and getting teeth multiple shades whiter in just one application.
- Fast. Professional whitening works quickly, providing dramatic results in a matter of minutes. The specialized light accelerates the whitening process for near immediate results.
- Safe. Dental grade whitening is safe on tooth enamel, preventing damage and sensitivity.
- Lasting results. Results of professional teeth whitening may last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
Maintaining Your Whitening Results
There are many ways to help keep your teeth looking white for as long as possible following your professional teeth whitening treatment:
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth. For longer lasting results, avoid drinking coffee, tea, red wine, red grape juice, and tomato juice. Avoid foods like blueberries, blackberries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and anything with artificial dyes.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove food residue and plaque that can stain teeth. It also helps keep your enamel strong, which makes teeth look naturally whiter.
- Go to the dentist every 6 months for teeth cleaning. Professional teeth cleanings every 6 months can help maintain the results of your whitening treatment.
Teeth Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can sometimes cause teeth to develop stains. Often the staining is uneven because of the brackets that were attached to your teeth or from wearing your Invisalign aligners. Professional teeth whitening can remove stains and enhance the appearance of your teeth following orthodontic treatment. After treatment you want your smile to look its best, and teeth whitening can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Can I have my teeth whitening while wearing braces?
You can have your teeth professionally whitened while wearing braces, but there are some risks associated with it. Once your brackets are removed your teeth may be a different shade underneath. This can usually be evened out with another whitening treatment. For best results it may be best to wait to whiten your teeth after your braces have been removed.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people experience mild sensitivity after teeth whitening and others do not. Orthodontic treatment can also lead to sensitive teeth, so the cause may be uncertain. Using over the counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help to reduce sensitivity, but if symptoms persist a prescription toothpaste may help.
Why Choose Embrace Orthodontics for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can be done at any time, but it is especially helpful following orthodontic treatment. Embrace Orthodontics provides teeth whitening for the convenience of our patients so that your newly straightened teeth will also look clean and bright.
