Teeth Whitening 101: A Guide to a Bright Smile

Professional teeth whitening is a popular service that can leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and younger. As whitening products improve, it’s easy, effective, and affordable to get the movie-star smile you’ve always wanted. In just a single visit, you can turn back the clock and reverse years of staining. If you’re interested in how teeth whitening in Virgina Beach works, it’s important to know not just how it works but what you can expect from the procedure.  

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a generic term that can be used for any process that involves whitening your teeth, at least according to the American Dental Association. So, if you use a toothpaste that promises to whiten your teeth or see a cosmetic dentist for multiple customized treatments, both could be described as teeth whitening.  

A cosmetic dentist will look to understand the type of stains discoloring your teeth and your overall dental health. There are two types of stains that darken the enamel of teeth:

• Extrinsic – External factors that sit on the outside of teeth and influence the color of teeth like foods, smoking, environmental exposure to iron or copper and plaque and tartar build-up.  

• Intrinsic – Internal factors that can discolor teeth such as genetics, and medication use, causing color change internally.

Teeth whitening treatment is typically not advised if you have sensitive teeth or if you have gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer because it can act as an irritant. It’s also not effective for artificial dental work, including crowns, caps, veneers, and fillings or bonding. Dr. Hamlin can tell you more about your options if you’re ineligible for teeth whitening, such as treating any underlying issues before scheduling an appointment. This is why having a dental checkup before a whitening is important.

Which Teeth Whitening Products Actually Work?

The best teeth whitening products ultimately depend on the type of whitening you need. For instance, a professional at-home teeth whitening kit may be a better choice if you only need to lighten your teeth a shade or two. This can be an economical and largely hassle-free way to whiten your teeth with a convenient, custom-made tray.  

For more serious whitening needs, you may need to visit the office to safely access the most powerful agents. Whether you need to come once or several times, the right cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach can provide you with a customized treatment plan that works with your schedule.  

Is it Better to Get Teeth Whitening Done at the Dentist?

If you’re trying to find the most economical choice for teeth whitening, you might be tempted to try an over-the-counter remedy. There are plenty of options out there, but the sheer demand for teeth-whitening products has led to some questionable products on the market. That's why it’s important to know the risks of choosing the wrong products. In the best-case scenario, faulty products will do nothing at all. However, there are some agents that are known to actually harm your teeth — and any adjacent dental work that you may have had done. This is just one reason why teeth whitening at the dentist remains popular, despite the far cheaper solutions on the market or in your local mall.  

It ultimately depends on the patient, but as a general rule, it’s better to consult your dentist before teeth whitening in Virginia Beach, VA. If you’re looking for over-the-counter whitening products, it may take weeks to see a noticeable difference. It may take months before you get anywhere near the color you were hoping for. With professional teeth whitening, the process is far faster. In fact, you should have a noticeably whiter smile the second you leave the office.  

At a dentist’s office, the staff might recommend either mechanical or chemical teeth whitening. Mechanical teeth whitening products can remove stains by scrubbing them away from the surface, essentially stripping off every layer of build-up. Chemical teeth whitening products can remove stains by introducing oxygen to make it faster for the bleaching agents to remove stains. Whether it’s teeth whitening strips or tooth whitening gel, the reality is that dentists have access to professional products that are not just faster and safer, they’re more likely to lead to the outcomes the patient is looking for.  

Finally, dentists have a way of using products in a way that won’t aggravate sensitive teeth. While you likely shouldn’t have the procedure if you have extremely sensitive teeth, most people can handle the process without fear of irritation or discomfort. If you have questions about whether your teeth are too sensitive for teeth whitening, it’s important to consult a dentist before buying over-the-counter treatments or trying at-home remedies.  

What is the Best Dental Procedure to Whiten Teeth?

The best dental procedure depends on everything from your oral health to the type of staining you have. If your staining is caused by tooth decay, you may need a more involved procedure than teeth whitening.  

Because whitening products only work on your natural teeth, it’s important to work with a dentist who can treat a patients with various types of existing work. For example, if you have dental implants or fillings, you can easily end up with uneven results, where one section of your mouth is white, and the other is a noticeably different color. Whether you need to adjust your dental work or work within a certain color palette, the right dentist will be able to find a solution that works for you.  

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening can’t last forever, but you may find that the results of a professional service last for far longer than you expected. With the right maintenance, you may find that your teeth whitening lasts for several years or more!  

The best way to care for your teeth after whitening is to keep up with all the standard dental advice. Brushing, flossing, seeing your dentist at least twice a year, and minimizing teeth staining foods and drinks are imperative if you want to keep your teeth looking great. Plus, in addition to helping you avoid teeth stains, these steps can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life!  

How Not to Whiten Your Teeth

Taking an interest in your smile is important, but you have to be careful where you source your information from. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Harsh chemicals: Whether it's bleach or peroxide, these chemicals can damage your teeth. So can vinegar, charcoal, and citrus remedies. Even too much baking soda can be harmful!

• Overuse: All those kits, gels, and strips have important directions on them. If you use them incorrectly or leave them on for too long, you can damage your teeth and cause zingers.

• Pain: Teeth whitening is not supposed to be painful. When done correctly, it should largely feel like nothing at all. While slight irritation or discomfort may not be a cause for concern, you shouldn't ignore any pain during a whitening procedure.

Answers to Your Questions

Your refreshingly whiter smile awaits! Our professional whitening treatments are more effective, faster, and longer-lasting than over-the-counter options. Contact the team at Cusp Dental Boutique in Virginia Beach today to request a consultation.

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