Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure used to whiten the teeth by removing years of stains. During a whitening treatment, both intrinsic and extrinsic stains are removed from the teeth. Intrinsic stains are those that form inside the tooth and are generally the result of age, genetics, and certain medications. Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, form on the outside of your tooth and can be caused by smoking, diet, and poor oral hygiene habits. While teeth whitening procedures cannot remove certain types of stains, most people see an improvement of about 5-10 shades after having their teeth whitened.
Did You Know?
Teeth whitening can be performed as an in-office or at home treatment, depending on your whitening goals. In-office whitening treatments generally yield more dramatic results in as little as one appointment, while at-home whitening offers affordability and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
You may be a candidate for teeth whitening if you have stained teeth that you are looking to have lightened. Additionally, candidates for teeth whitening must be in generally good oral health and should be free from tooth decay or gum disease. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with Park City Dental today.
What can I expect when having my teeth whitened at Park City Dental?
At Park City Dental, we offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments. During an in-office whitening treatment, you can expect to have your teeth thoroughly cleaned first in order to remove plaque, tartar, and debris. Your gums will also be covered so that they will be protected from the whitener. Once your teeth have been cleaned and your gums have been covered, then our doctor will apply the whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. It will remain in place for about 30-60 minutes, then it will be rinsed from the teeth.
For at-home whitening treatments, Our doctor will first take a dental impression of your teeth in order to make you a customized whitening tray. You will be provided with whitening trays, gel, and instructions on when and how to use the products. Our doctor will answer any questions you may have about this process.
What can I expect after having my teeth whitened?
After an in-office whitening treatment, it is recommended to temporarily avoid consuming highly pigmented foods or beverages for at least 24 hours. This is because the whitener will continue to work for up to 24 hours after its initial application, so adding new stains can decrease its effectiveness. In some cases, you may experience some tooth sensitivity after having your teeth whitened, whether in the office or at home. To maintain your results, it is recommended to brush once a week with a whitening toothpaste and practice good oral hygiene. Brushing or rinsing after meals is also advised to make your results last longer. Teeth whitening is not permanent since your teeth will eventually develop more stains, but most treatments last about a year.
