Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested treatments in our office each day. Nearly everyone we meet wants to have a brighter, whiter smile. There are many options available, both in our office and from the store that can help whiten your teeth. With any whitening option, not all teeth may show results, depending on the cause of their discoloration.

 

Before Starting, Talk to Us

Before choosing a whitening solution, it is important that we provide you with a comprehensive dental examination. Tooth discoloration can have several causes, so it is important that we assess your smile and determine that your teeth are healthy enough for whitening treatment. Only then will we be able to recommend the methods that lead to the most successful results for your needs. Staining and discoloration can be caused by smoking, coffee drinking, medications, decay, or oral diseases. The first step in whitening your smile is determining the cause of staining.

 

What Treatments are Available for Home Use?

One popular choice for whitening your smile at home is whitening strips. These are applied to your teeth for a period of time, then removed. Whitening strips generally contain peroxide that sticks to the surface of your teeth. Usually, they contain fewer bleaching chemicals than treatments our office can provide. Increased sensitivity can occur when whitening with strips, so it is important to monitor your discomfort. If your sensitivity becomes unmanageable, stop using the strips. It is often best to avoid brushing your teeth right before using whitening strips.

 

Another common option is to use a whitening toothpastes, which may include hydrogen-peroxide to bleach your teeth. Like whitening strips, you may find limited whitening results with these toothpastes. For more intense results, you may require more concentrated treatments available through our office.

 

Talk to Our Team for Whitening Solutions

Over-the-counter whitening products often contain fewer whitening substances than the solutions we have available in our office. They can, however, achieve noticeable results. Before starting any whitening treatment, make an appointment to see us. We can help you ensure your teeth are healthy enough for whitening.  Our experienced dental team will work with you to determine the best way to brighten your smile.

 

For more information on whitening your smile or to schedule your next examination, please contact our office.