Do you have healthy teeth but want a brighter smile? Teeth whitening is cosmetic dental care that brightens natural tooth enamel. At Clarkston Dental Care, we offer teeth whitening with Opalescence in our Clarkston, MI, dental office.
We can also provide teeth bonding or porcelain veneers if patients have tough tooth stains. Veneers and bonding treatment also benefit patients with intrinsic tooth stains, which are inside the tooth. Many patients have intrinsic stains if they have a dental injury or tooth wear.
Dentin beneath the outer enamel can make teeth appear discolored. Whether you have intrinsic or extrinsic tooth stains, we can help you find the right whitening treatment.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are many ways patients can develop discolored or yellowed tooth enamel:
- Poor oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing twice daily can help remove plaque from the teeth and gums. Plaque, a bacterial film that can build up in the mouth, may change the color of teeth. In addition, stains from foods and drinks cause discoloration in patients who do not brush or floss enough.
- Foods and drinks: Some foods and beverages contain chromogens, or pigments that attach to the enamel and discolor teeth over time. Berries, tomatoes, coffee, tea, and wine contain chromogens.
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using other tobacco products can easily yellow the tooth enamel. Nicotine is a common cause of yellow and darkened tooth enamel.
- Medications: Dull or discolored teeth can be a side effect of some medications. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and other medications can discolor the enamel.
- Genetics: Some patients may be genetically predisposed to discolored teeth. Dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfect can also create brittle teeth, which we can strengthen with restorative and cosmetic treatments.
Opalescence Teeth Whitening Treatment in Clarkston, MI
Our in-office Opalescence treatment brightens teeth in just under an hour. First, we protect the gums to minimize sensitivity. Then, we apply the Opalescence whitening gel to each tooth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the tooth enamel.
During the whitening treatment, the oxygen molecules within the gel react with the molecules on the teeth. This treatment is chemically activated, so we do not need LED lights or lasers to whiten the smile. After about fifteen to twenty minutes, we remove and reapply the whitening gel. We repeat this process several times until we reach the desired result.
We also offer touch-ups and full take-home whitening with Opalescence. Our team will take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays. We will provide a take-home whitening kit with custom trays and concentrated whitening gel. Multiple concentrations are available, so patients with sensitive teeth can receive whitening treatment.
Professional Vs. Store-bought Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular way to enhance your smile, but not all whitening treatments are created equal. Over-the-counter (OTC) products, like strips and whitening toothpaste, are widely available and easy to use. However, professional teeth whitening, performed by a dentist, offers several advantages that make it a better option for those seeking fast, safe, and long-lasting results.
Stronger and More Effective Results
One of the main benefits of professional teeth whitening is that it provides much stronger and more effective results than OTC products. Dentists use prescription-strength bleaching agents that are not available in store-bought products. These stronger treatments can lift stains from deeper layers of your enamel, offering brighter and more noticeable results. On the other hand, OTC products often only work on surface stains and may not be as effective, especially for stubborn or age-related discoloration. Professional whitening can dramatically brighten your smile in just one visit.
Customization and Precision
With professional whitening, the treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Your dentist can assess the type of stains you’re dealing with and the sensitivity of your teeth. Based on this assessment, they will select the best whitening product and concentration for your teeth, ensuring optimal results. The procedure is also carefully applied, with a protective barrier over your gums to prevent irritation. OTC whitening products, by comparison, are one-size-fits-all and may not provide the same level of precision, leading to uneven whitening or gum irritation.
Faster and Longer-Lasting Results
Professional teeth whitening works much faster than over-the-counter products. While OTC products may take weeks to show noticeable results, professional whitening can brighten your teeth in just one visit, usually lasting about an hour. The results are also longer-lasting with professional whitening, as the dentist uses high-quality products that are more effective at removing deep stains. OTC treatments often need to be repeated over time, and even then, they may not achieve the same level of whitening or may fade quickly.
Safer for Your Teeth and Gums
Another key advantage of professional teeth whitening is that it is safer for your teeth and gums. Dentists ensure that the whitening agents are applied correctly and safely, reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. They also monitor the process to avoid over-bleaching or uneven results. OTC products, however, can cause problems like gum irritation, uneven results, or increased tooth sensitivity. Since the bleaching agents in these products are often stronger than what your teeth are accustomed to, they can cause damage if used improperly.
Less Risk of Overuse and Damage
Overusing OTC whitening products can lead to damage, such as enamel erosion or increased tooth sensitivity. Since these products are readily available, many people use them more often than necessary, which can have long-term effects on their oral health. Professional whitening, on the other hand, is controlled and done under the supervision of a dentist, which reduces the risk of overuse and ensures your teeth stay healthy throughout the process.
Convenience and Comfort
Professional whitening is also more convenient and comfortable than OTC options. The process is quick and performed in a comfortable dental office environment. Dentists use advanced equipment to make the process as comfortable as possible, and they can offer additional options, such as desensitizing treatments, to minimize discomfort. OTC products, however, can be time-consuming and messy, and some people find them uncomfortable to use, especially if they have sensitive teeth or gums.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental service. You get big results with a small procedure. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
It varies from person to person. Genetically, whitening treatments work better on some people than others. Patients who regularly use tobacco or drink coffee will have results that don’t last as long as those without these habits. On average, results last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
How long do I have to wait to eat after teeth whitening?
You can eat immediately following whitening treatment. However, we recommend you avoid staining foods and beverages for at least the first 48 hours. Whitening opens up the pores of your teeth, allowing the bleaching solution to enter. These pores remain open after the procedure, making it easier for teeth to stain.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
No, you should only feel some slight sensitivity, if anything at all. Professional whitening solutions contain things to minimize the risk of sensitivity. Hot or cold foods or beverages usually trigger it. We also apply a protective coating over the soft tissue to avoid sensitivity in these areas.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
We recommend not whitening teeth more than every six months. Too frequently whitening increases the chances of sensitivity, which can become more severe if you continue. Too much whitening also makes your teeth look odd when you smile. The color can get to a point where it doesn’t look natural in your mouth.
Should I get my teeth cleaned before or after the whitening treatment?
We always recommend scheduling a dental cleaning right before your whitening appointment. Even if you brush and floss diligently, you still may have some plaque or tartar buildup that you may not realize. If that’s still on the teeth when we whiten them, you’ll get splotchy, uneven results.
Am I a good candidate for tooth whitening?
Most patients are eligible for teeth whitening treatment. However, we won’t whiten the teeth of children or teen patients, as their mouths are still developing and changing. If you have a dental cavity, we’ll need to treat it before whitening treatment. The whitening solution can cause pain and make your cavity worse. We’ll also treat other oral health conditions before cosmetic treatment.
Brighten Your Smile
Do you want to brighten your smile? Call Clarkston Dental Care today at 248-985-2906. You can also request a dental consultation with our dentists online. Please ask us questions about whitening treatment at your next appointment; we will be happy to help.