A bright and beautiful smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also boosts your confidence. However, over time, teeth can become discolored due to various factors such as aging, consuming dark beverages like coffee or red wine, smoking, and less than ideal oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are numerous teeth whitening options that can increase the brilliance of your teeth.
At Cyprus Family Dental, we can give you a brighter and whiter smile in as little as an hour! We’ll discuss your unique dental needs to determine if professional whitening is the right option for you. Our technicians will use either an in-office or take-home treatment, depending on your preference and lifestyle. After treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy the brilliance of a whiter smile!
TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING
There are three types of whitening procedures worth considering: in-office teeth whitening, take-home teeth whitening kits, and store-bought whitening products. While each type of whitening has its own benefits, there are differences you should know about before you decide to whiten your teeth.
SAME DAY WHITENING (IN-OFFICE)
In-office whitening is done at a dentist’s office and typically takes about an hour. The dentist or hygienist will apply professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth which may be combined with a special light or laser to speed up the process. The procedure can remove deep stains and leave you with a brighter smile in just one appointment.
TAKE-HOME WHITENING TRAYS
Take Home Teeth Whitening Kits: Take home kits are available from many dentists, although they may not be as powerful as in-office treatments. The kit usually consists of custom trays that fit snugly around your teeth and contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel. You will need to wear the trays for a certain amount of time each day for a few weeks until you achieve the desired shade.
COMMERCIAL WHITENING PRODUCTS
There are many whitening products available at drugstores and online, such as toothpastes, strips, gels, and mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide or other active ingredients to help remove surface stains. While they may not be as effective as in-office treatments or take-home kits, they can still help brighten your smile if used regularly.
HOW LONG DO WHITENING TREATMENTS LAST?
Teeth whitening results usually last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, this depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose and how well you take care of your teeth afterward. Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, rinsing with mouthwash, and avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages can help maintain your bright smile for longer. Additionally, using touch-up treatments like at-home whitening kits every few months can also help prolong the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments.
TEETH WHITENING AFTERCARE
After you have had your teeth whitening treatment, it is important that you take the time to follow some basic aftercare instructions. The following steps will help to ensure that your whitened teeth remain bright and healthy:
1. Avoid consuming any food or drink that may cause staining such as coffee, tea, and red wine. This should be done for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day with a gentle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth.
3. Floss daily to prevent bacteria from getting stuck between your teeth and causing discoloration or decay over time.
4. Use a non-abrasive whitening toothpaste to help maintain your white smile.
5. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, as these can cause staining.
6. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any food particles that may have stuck in between your teeth and helped cause discoloration.
7. Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor the health of your teeth and gums.
SCHEDULE YOUR TEETH WHITENING APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Whether you choose in-office or an at-home teeth whitening system is up to you. Call Cyprus Family Dental to determine the best teeth whitening option for your smile. You can reach us at (801) 250-0203 or contact us here. Our team is excited to help you get the brighter, whiter teeth you’ve always wanted!