Because your smile often takes center focus on your face, it’s understandable that you want your teeth to look their best. If you have tooth stains that are affecting the way you feel about your smile, we invite you to learn more about professional teeth whitening treatment from our dentist.
The results from a professional teeth whitening procedure can be much more effective than using a commercial teeth whitening kit from the store. Many store-bought kits are not very potent and can cause adverse effects if not used properly. In comparison, professional whitening treatment is performed by a trained team and is much more effective and safe. The abrasive chemicals found in some store-bought kits can affect the teeth, preventing you from having the better-looking results you want.
One recent trend that took over many blogs and social media posts was using banana peels to whiten users’ teeth. With no scientific evidence supporting this theory, it became a popular trend as many people posted side-by-side photos. Professionals from the American Dental Association (ADA) advised against it, and what we do know is that the acidity of fruits used in the hopes of whitening teeth can potentially harm your smile.
At our office here in Aiken, South Carolina, we have two options: in-office Zoom teeth whitening or take-home whitening trays.
To perform a whitening procedure at our office, we use Zoom in-office tooth whitening and start by making sure your teeth are cleaned and prepped for this treatment. We also check to see if you are a viable candidate and your teeth can benefit. A protective cream is applied to your lips and gums and to keep them moist. Then Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied by our team. It works with the Zoom laser to break up discoloration or stains on your teeth. It is applied in 15-minute intervals, three times.
After we have cleaned you up, we may send you home with a touch-up kit containing whitening trays that are custom-made to you. To help your teeth whitening last, we recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages directly after treatment. This can include coffee, red wine, soda, tea and more. Foods you can avoid or eat in small portions are anything with high amounts of pigment like colorful fruits, red meat, chocolate, soy sauce, etc. Consider a “white diet” where you eat light-colored foods for about 2 weeks after treatment.
If you experience sensitivity after treatment, be sure to follow the instructions we give you. Limit the amount of very cold or hot foods or drinks you consume for a period of time. Use fluoride rinses or sensitivity toothpaste, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your sensitivity continues, be sure to contact us for any concerns you may have.
For our take-home whitening trays, you place a whitening tray in your mouth that is filled with a measured amount of whitening gel so that it doesn’t irritate your gums. The quality whitening gel we provide is very powerful, and it uses concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel. Depending on your degree of staining, we will recommend a certain amount to use and how often you should use the teeth whitening trays. Again, your teeth whitening can be accentuated with the use of a dental laser in our office to boost your results if you have tough stains.
Contact Shirer Family Dentistry at 803-648-6400 today if you would like to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening in Aiken, South Carolina, and schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options for your dream smile. We are excited to help you learn more about dental services that can brighten your smile and help you have the gleaming teeth you have always wanted! Give our office a call if you need dental care here in south Aiken and we’ll be happy to help today. We are also open on Fridays!