Standards of beauty differ from culture to culture, but one quality that remains appealing pretty much anywhere you go is having bright white teeth. Who doesn’t love to have a sparkling smile? Trusted dentist Emmanuel Puddicombe knows that even diligent brushers can see the shade of their teeth dull over time. If you are looking to get a smile that is significantly whiter, a professional, in-office whitening can attain the best results.
Teeth Whitening Procedure – What to Expect
At the start of your appointment, the team at Family Dentistry of Lyons will clean your teeth to ensure that there are no food particles or plaque present. Dr. Puddicombe will also check for any problems like gum disease and tooth decay that may be aggravated by the teeth whitening process. If he discovers anything serious, he may recommend addressing those issues prior to whitening the teeth.
Dr. Puddicombe will put a lip retractor in your mouth, which keeps your lips away from your teeth. He then coats the gums with a gel to protect them from the bleaching chemicals. Next, he puts a separate whitening gel on your teeth, which has a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The gel engages a chemical reaction known as oxidation to break apart the staining on the teeth. Dr. Puddicombe will also use a special low-heat light to enhance the effects of the whitening gel. He will repeat the process of applying the gel and shining the light two more times over the course of an hour to maximize the whiteness.
Teeth Whitening Results
In-office teeth whitening turns your teeth between five and 10 shades whiter than they were immediately before the treatment. These results tend to be visible for approximately one year. The process can safely be repeated every several months to further whiten your teeth.
To keep your teeth white for as long as possible, avoid foods and beverages that are known to stain like berries, wine, coffee and dark sodas. Tobacco use will also rapidly discolor your teeth. Continue to brush and floss regularly to remove substances that can stain your teeth.
Candidates for Teeth Whitening
If you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth and have not been satisfied with the results produced by at-home whitening kits, you are likely a good candidate for teeth whitening. Patients with especially sensitive teeth and gums should avoid this treatment since hydrogen peroxide will not be gentle on these areas.
Be aware that teeth whitening is not suited for stains that exist beneath the enamel. Stains that are the result of medication use or tooth decay are also not improved with professional teeth whitening. Any crowns you may have in your mouth will not be affected by the bleaching process. If any of these factors are a concern, you may want to discuss alternative cosmetic options with Dr. Puddicombe, such as veneers.
Schedule an Appointment for Teeth Whitening
Whenever Dr. Puddicombe whitens a patient’s teeth with an in-office treatment, it is readily apparent how much more confident that patient is after seeing his or her whiter, more attractive smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, professional teeth whitening is the most effective way to minimize the yellowing. For an appointment, please call Family Dentistry of Lyons at (315) 946-4656.
