Professional Teeth Whitening Makes The Difference
Teeth whitening is the process of whitening your teeth in order to help you get the pearly smile you’ve always wanted. Not only does teeth whitening whiten your smile, but the process also eliminates bacteria that causes tooth decay, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, and serves as an overall boost to your self confidence.
Today, there are numerous over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening to choose from. While these methods can be accessible and affordable, they’re not likely to be the best option for your unique smile.
At Comfy Smile Dental, Dr. Cortes and Dr. Prieto can professionally whiten your teeth while always keeping your unique oral health needs in mind. They can provide tools and services that allow for effective teeth whitening while protecting your enamel from damage, preventing gum irritation, and reducing post-whitening sensitivity.
The Downsides of Non-Professional Teeth Whitening
Store bought whitening products are often used without the input or assistance of a dental professional who could cater to your unique dental needs. They also tend to be manufactured with a one-size-fits-all mentality, that doesn’t take into account your specific dental structure or level of oral health.
Because these products don’t take into account your specific oral health needs, using them increases your chances of gum irritation, post-whitening sensitivity, and damaging your enamel. What’s more, these products tend to be less effective at whitening your smile. For these reasons, the dentists at Comfy Smile Dental highly recommend you avoid store bought whitening products and opt for professional whitening instead.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’re considering whitening your smile, doctors Cortes and Prieto want you to know exactly why professional teeth whitening is worth it. There are numerous and substantial benefits to professional teeth whitening, some of which are as follows:
- Superior Whitening – Professional teeth whitening can whiten teeth up to five shades in one visit. Professional whitening can even help erase intrinsic stains that lay below your teeth’s enamel and can’t be reached by other whitening methods.
- Longer Lasting Results – The results of professional teeth whitening can last for years with proper upkeep, far longer than store bought whitening products can provide.
- Prevents Gum Irritation – In office whitening gel is carefully applied by our dentists and professionally designed teeth whitening trays are molded to fit your unique smile, preventing gum irritation.
- Increased Safety – Before any whitening procedure takes place, you’ll undergo a consultation with Dr. Cortes or Dr. Prieto where they’ll determine your level of oral health and whether or not teeth whitening will be safe and effective for you. Having the input and guidance of a dental professional will also help prevent you from misusing your products and potentially damaging your enamel.
- Reduced Post Whitening Sensitivity – Dental professionals like Dr. Cortes and Prieto have higher levels of experience and knowledge about how to use whitening products without causing excess post-whitening sensitivity.
The Teeth Whitening Process
- You’ll attend a consultation with one of our dentists, where they’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your smile goals with you. The information they gather will allow them to determine if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening.
- Once your dentist has approved you for teeth whitening, we’ll take a mold of your smile so they can provide you with a whitening gel you can use at home for touch-up treatments.
- At your whitening appointment, we’ll clean your mouth and teeth to remove any debris and increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
- We’ll protect your lips, gums, and tongue from irritation by having you wear a mouthguard.
- Next, we’ll apply hydrogen peroxide-based gel directly to your teeth and heat it with an ultraviolet light. The light activates the gel and helps it penetrate your enamel for better whitening.
- After treatment, your teeth will be three to five shades whiter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth discoloration is often caused by factors such as:
- Dark-colored drinks (i.e. coffee, tea, and wine)
- Foods like dark berries, curry, and tomato sauce
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Age
- Natural wear and tear
- Medication use
- Genetics
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can usually counteract the effects of these common causes of stains.
If you want to extend the effects of your whitening procedure, doctors Cortes and Prieto offer this advice:
- Use your professionally crafted whitening trays with the provided whitening gel as directed
- Practice proper oral hygiene
- Avoid substances known to stain teeth when safe to do so
- See Dr. Cortes at least every six months for regular dental exams
Although most people are good candidates for teeth whitening, in some cases it may not produce the desired results, or it may cause an underlying issue to worsen. That’s why attending a consultation with Dr. Cortes or Prieto is necessary before a whitening procedure takes place. You can schedule a consultation with one of our dentists by dialing (954) 251-0804.
In the beginning stages of treatment, the bleaching agent soaks through the enamel to the dentin layer, where the nerves and blood vessels, called dental pulp, are located. The interaction between the bleach and these living tissues can create a sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
People respond differently to whitening treatments, and some may never experience sensitivity. If you do develop post-whitening sensitivity, it shouldn’t last more than a few days. To control your sensitivity in the meantime, Dr. Cortes and Prieto offer these tips:
- Use tooth mousse
- Coat your teeth in vitamin-E oil
- Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid ingesting hot and cold foods and drinks for at least three days after your whitening procedure
- Take an over the counter pain reliever
If you experience sensitivity lasting more than a few days, call our office in Davie, FL by dialing (954) 251-0804. We’ll do what we can to resolve any issues you may be having.
Comfy Smile Dental Offers Safe, Effective Whitening
A pearly white smile can help you look and feel your best, potentially increasing your confidence and your overall happiness. With professional whitening, Dr. Cortes and Prieto can effectively remove years worth of stains from your teeth in one visit, without causing excess sensitivity, irritating your gums, or damaging your enamel.
If you’re looking for a way to safely and effectively whiten your smile, or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, contact Comfy Smile Dental at our Davie, FL office by dialing (954) 251-0804. You can also request an appointment online and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.