Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve your smile. It removes stains and discoloration caused by ageing, certain foods and drinks (tea, coffee, berries), smoking, trauma, and some medications.
With proper oral hygiene, the results of teeth whitening Cypress TX can last months or even years. Our team offers several whitening options to best meet your needs.
At-Home Whitening
Many whitening products are available from your dentist and over the counter. They include whitening strips, gels, pens, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. These products use chemical or abrasive agents that lighten or remove stains from tooth enamel, making teeth appear whiter. They are not effective for discoloration from genetics or aging, however, and can be abrasive to the sensitive parts of your mouth.
Home whitening products are also often ineffective for people with mild staining, as they can actually cause the teeth to look yellower in the long run. If you're interested in whitening your teeth, you should consult with a dental professional to learn more about the best methods for your specific situation.
Some natural strategies for teeth whitening Cypress TX include avoiding foods that are known to stain, eating more fruits and vegetables, and rinsing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. These may also be combined with a whitening treatment for the most dramatic results. A dentist can recommend the best option for you and provide comprehensive care before, during, and after your whitening session.
In-Office Whitening
Unlike OTC bleaching products, professional whitening treatments are safe for the teeth and gums. The process takes less than an hour and uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide to lighten the smile in one short visit. Patients can also take custom whitening trays home to complete their treatment. These kits are more affordable but will require diligence on the part of the patient to maintain their new white smile.
Some stains are too stubborn to respond to even the most aggressive whitening procedures. These include stains from certain medications (like tetracycline) and trauma. To maximize a whitening result, patients should schedule dental cleanings every six months to remove surface stains and prevent decay.
Before a patient undergoes teeth whitening Cypress TX, their hygienist will polish the teeth to remove plaque and calculus deposits. This allows the whitening gel to better penetrate the enamel. It will also reveal cavities and leaking fillings, which should be repaired prior to a whitening appointment.
Zoom!® Whitening
The whitening procedure uses a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to lighten tooth enamel and dentin. This treatment will eliminate stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, cola and tobacco products. It will also lighten stains due to genetics, certain medications, or fluorosis.
First, the dentist will remove any plaque and tartar from the teeth. This will help the whitening process work best. Then, the gums and soft tissue will be covered to protect them from the whitening gel.
The whitening gel will be applied for three 15-minute sessions under the LED light. A sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel will be applied after the whitening process is complete. We will also provide you with a kit that contains custom-fitted whitening trays to use at home to maintain your new smile. With proper oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods and beverages, Zoom whitening can last up to 3-5 years. However, the stains will eventually reform, so regular maintenance is important.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
Take-home whitening trays allow patients to whiten their teeth in the convenience of their homes. These trays are not the generic whitening trays you find in stores; they are custom-fitted to your teeth and hug every curve, ensuring full contact with the whitening gel. Patients wear the trays for about an hour each day, 10-14 days in a row for best results.
Patients can use a variety of whitening gels with the trays, including the popular over-the-counter brands. Some types of gel contain higher concentrations of bleach, while others are formulated to reduce tooth sensitivity and can be worn overnight.
Take-home whitening will whiten natural teeth, but it will not affect the color of crowns, veneers or fillings. Patients may experience sensitivity after treatment; a mild analgesic can help relieve this until your teeth re-shade. To maintain your new, whiter smile, regular brushing and flossing are essential. It is also important to visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams to remove plaque before stains can build up.
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