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Teeth Whitening

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What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

If you’ve noticed that your teeth are not as bright and white as they used to be – whether it’s because you smoke, you consume foods and beverages that may stain your teeth, or you’re getting older – you may have considered one of the many options available to make your teeth several shades lighter.

With so many at-home products that claim to dramatically whiten your teeth, you’re probably wondering which – if any – actually work. Do they use the same ingredients as professional teeth whitening products?

If you want to get the most mileage from a tooth-whitening treatment, as well as use one that’s safe for your teeth and gums, you’re better off letting a professional do it for you. Here’s why.

Dental Professionals Use Stronger, More Effective Whitening Agents

Dentists have access to whitening treatments that have a higher concentration of the active agents necessary to whiten your teeth, and you’ll get results more quickly than if you use at-home kits of whitening strips. And be aware that toothpastes and rinses that claim to have whitening properties are not any more effective than ones that aren’t marketed for whitening use.

You Can Get a Customized Whitening Treatment From Your Dentist

Dentists use trays that are made to fit precisely over your teeth and along your gums. The strips that are sold in stores are one-size-fits-all. Plus, your custom tray will hold the exact amount of the active ingredients needed and keep it from getting on your gums and irritating them. 

At-Home Treatments are Difficult to Use and Don’t Whiten All of Your Teeth

Those whitening strips cover only the front teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth, and trying to get them to adhere properly to evenly distribute the gel is extremely challenging. Also, if you leave them on for too long, you could end up making your teeth look worse than before you started.

DIY Whitening Kits Can Be Harmful

If you keep the strips on for too long – or use them for more than the recommended number of days – you could develop tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or even tooth damage. And although ingesting a small amount of the peroxide whitening gel should be okay, if you swallow a large amount, it could cause nausea and vomiting.

Reasons for Teeth Whitening

If you’re on the fence about getting your teeth whitened, consider these three big advantages.

  1. It will boost your self-esteem and confidence – When you feel better about yourself, you’ll have more confidence to pursue your personal or professional goals and you’re likely to treat others in your life with more kindness and respect.
  2. You’ll take better care of your teeth and gums – When you like what you see in the mirror every day, you’ll be more motivated to care for and preserve your oral health. You’re likely to see the dentist more regularly and make a daily habit of brushing and flossing your teeth.
  3. You’ll Look Younger – Aging is a natural process and we should all be more open to accepting the many changes that occur as we get older. But we still live in a society that values youth. Besides giving you a brighter smile, whitening your teeth can distract from those wrinkles that seem to mysteriously appear after you reach a certain age.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening

What Can I Expect During A Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Here’s what happens when you get your teeth professionally whitened:

How Can I Care For My Teeth After A Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment?

For the first 24 hours after the treatment, avoid food and drinks that are highly pigmented (coffee, tea, dark cola, dark berries, red wine, dark sauces, yellow mustard, etc.). You should also avoid smoking, which can quickly stain your teeth as well as cause many other oral health problems.

You won’t have to be as cautious after the first 24 hours have passed, but it’s still recommended that you limit your intake of foods and beverages that can easily stain your teeth.

Plus, to keep your newly white teeth healthy, make sure to brush a floss twice daily and see your dentist every six months.

Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth Whitening In Osseo & Nearby

Get in touch with Osseo Family Dental to learn how quickly and easily you can transform your smile. We’re conveniently located and serve the following areas:

Frequently Asked Questions

Teeth whitening is not typically painful, but some people may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure.

In some cases, teeth whitening may not produce the desired results due to factors such as the type and severity of the discoloration, or the individual’s oral health. However, Osseo Family Dental will evaluate your teeth and suggest the best option for you.

There is no specific age limit for teeth whitening, but it is generally recommended for adults. Children and teenagers who are still developing their adult teeth should consult with a dentist before undergoing the procedure.

After the teeth whitening procedure, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. We will give you instructions on how to care for your teeth, including avoiding certain foods and beverages that may stain your teeth.

The number of shades your teeth can be whitened will vary depending on the individual and the type of discoloration. Osseo Family Dental can give you an estimate based on the initial examination of your teeth.

The frequency at which you can get your teeth whitened will depend on the type of whitening treatment you receive, as well as your oral health. In-office treatments may be repeated every few years, while take-home treatments may be repeated more frequently. It is best to consult with your dental provider to determine the appropriate schedule for you.

 
 

There is no better time than the present

to smile!