We value our teeth more than anything else. Not just because it helps us chew food better, but because it makes us look good. A pearly white smile creates an impression that we look and feel good. A beautiful smile affects how we interact with another person, how we are portrayed, and how it influences our work and social life. That is why it is essential that you have a pearly set. We can help bring back those pearly-white teeth and make you smile often through our professional whitening treatment.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Brushing and brushing every day are ways you can keep your teeth white; however, this is not enough. You’ll notice that it still lacks that shine, sparkle and is still yellow. Over time, your teeth can go from white to becoming pale, stained or discolored. If you or someone you know who wants to have pearly white teeth and have a stunning smile, then set up an appointment with one of our dental professionals to get a dental-grade cleaning. Most of the process involves carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.
The cost varies with the type of treatment and how severe the teeth stain or discoloration is. The cost will also depend on the dentist you visit. On average, over-the-counter treatments cost around $50. In-office, treatment is more expensive than over-the-counter treatments. However, in-office treatments are the most effective.
According to a Study “In-office and walking bleach dental treatments on endodontically-treated teeth: 25 years follow-up” a success rate of 85% was reported after 25 years.” Learn more here.
Over-the-Counter Methods
This is the cheapest method in bringing back the white in your teeth. However, there is no guarantee of the effectiveness of these methods.
Pre-Made Whitening Trays: These teeth-whitening kits contain carbamide peroxide. The teeth whitening material is put into the tray. The tray is then applied directly to your teeth. It is an average one-size-fits-all tray and it may not feel right. The chemical could leak and could damage all some parts of your mouth – particularly the gums.
Toothpaste: Toothpaste does not contain any bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide. However, whitening toothpaste uses mild abrasive to scrub off the surface of the teeth’s enamel.
Gels: The effectivity of the gel depends on its strength. The strength of the gel depends on how you need to use them and how often.
Strips: These are thin plastic strips coated with carbamide peroxide. All you need to do is stick the strips onto the teeth. Expect to see results in as fast as four months.
Rinses: You use these similar to using a mouthwash. The rinse contains small quantities of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will take time for it to be in effect. Therefore, rinses are not as effective as other methods.
At-Home Care: This is the best alternative to complete teeth whitening solution that dentists normally prescribe. Your dentist will give you a custom-made tray that fit perfectly to your teeth. You will then fill it with the gel included in the kit and wear it. Depending on the condition of the teeth, you’ll have to wear this kit for half an hour up to several hours every day. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide. It is not as effective as an in-office procedure though.
In-Office Whitening
This procedure gives patients the most effective results. After cleaning the teeth, your doctor will advise on how you can keep your teeth clean and pearly white. Our dental professional will use a significantly stronger gel than an at-home treatment has. This gel works fast in splitting the bonds and getting rid of the discoloration of the teeth. A special laser helps in breaking down the bond further by increasing the strength of the gel. This process can take away up to eight different shades of color in a one-hour session. The LED will activate the gel spreading the oxygen in the peroxide and penetrating to the surface of the teeth. In-office and at-home solutions can be used together for better and longer lasting results.
Getting a Dental Procedure (crowns, teeth whitening, braces, etc) When Pregnant
Dentures and Crowns: It is recommended that you get a teeth whitening treatment first before getting dentures or crowns. It is safe to get this procedure while you’re pregnant.
Braces: It is recommended to get teeth whitening first before getting braces. Different methods have a different effect on the braces. Toothpaste and Invisalign clear aligners do not pose any problems. Homemade whiteners that fit exactly to your teeth won’t have a problem with braces. But, the DIY chemicals applied over the brace could leave dark patches.
Aftercare
Once you have gone through a teeth whitening procedure, there are aftercare procedures that you need to do to maintain that pearly white glow.
Tobacco – Smoking will stain your teeth. It is not recommended that you smoke after getting treatment.
Lipstick – Use lipstick that has ingredients that won’t stain the teeth. For more information on this, ask your dental professional.
What to eat – A few days after the procedure, the enamel pores are open. The enamel can easily get stained. During this time, avoid tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and spicy foods. You can return to your normal diet after a few days. It is advised that you stay away from the staining substances after the procedure.
Oral Hygiene – Learn what stained your teeth in the first place, then avoid it at all cost.
Teeth Whitening, Lake Elsinore, CA
Allow us to give you a whiter smile and pearly white teeth. We offer expert advice to improve your oral health. Visit our dental office at Lake Elsinore, California. We are nearby Canyon Lake and Wildomar.