Scarlett Johansson, Dwayne Johnson, Meghan Markle – what do all these celebrities have in common? Besides being famous, and wealthy, one might say that they all have beautiful smiles. A lot of us look in the mirror wishing that we had a smile that’s equally as beautiful. Well, the time for wishing is over because you can!
Progressions in the field of cosmetic dentistry allow us to enhance our teeth and obtain the smile of our dreams. You can go about doing this in a variety of ways, including in a professional dental clinic or within the comfort of your home.
If you’re interested in teeth whitening near you, our local dental practice is here to help you with that. Contact us today.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the process of illuminating your smile and reducing discoloration. This is done using specific bleaching agents, usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, as they can easily penetrate below your enamel and dentin.
How can my teeth become stained?
Several factors can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth such as aging, genetics, lifestyle factors like smoking, taking certain medications, and consuming certain food and drink that leave stains. Berries, soy sauce, curries, tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, tea, and soda are some of the most well-known examples.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes and no. There are certainly safe and reliable ways to whiten your teeth, including visiting a dentist near you. You can try several DIY treatments too, but always do your research and speak to a dentist first. Especially regarding at-home techniques, some methods can be harmful, so it’s best to keep that in mind.
The whitening treatment that is best for you may not work for someone else; schedule a consultation with a dentist to learn more. They’ll help you identify what’s the best course of action for your unique case.
What does in-office teeth whitening entail?
This process can be done in a single appointment and should last between 60 to 90 minutes. The duration of your visit depends on how stained your teeth are.
Your dentist will start by evaluating your mouth and taking some x-rays. This helps them establish an accurate image of where your oral health currently stands. Next, your teeth will be cleaned, so that no lingering plaque and tartar can interfere with your treatment.
The whitening solution is applied to the surface of your teeth and stays there for about a minute or so before being wiped off and reapplied. A UV light helps activate the bleach. All of this is repeated until the shade of white that you desire is officially achieved.
It’s good to keep in mind, however, that no one’s teeth are naturally pearly white. Instead, they typically range anywhere from dull ivory to a yellowish-grey shade.
How can I whiten my teeth at home?
Some of the most well-known ways to illuminate your teeth using DIY means include oil swishing, brushing with toothpaste and baking soda, scrubbing your teeth with lemon peels, or using whitening strips, trays, and toothpaste that are sold at drugstores.
A lot of dental clinics are also beginning to provide take-home whitening kits to patients. These kits contain trays and a predetermined amount of bleach that you apply to your smile.
When you visit a dentist in Flagstaff for teeth whitening, you’ll see results immediately. In comparison, at-home treatments may need to be completed over several weeks before you see a significant change.
How can I keep my smile white?
Alongside staying away from foods and not smoking, regularly brushing and flossing is arguably the easiest and most effective way to keep your smile looking bright. Coming in for routine dental cleanings helps as well.
That said, whitening your teeth by any means is not permanent; eventually, you’ll need to touch up your smile.
Are you looking to receive teeth whitening in Flagstaff? At West Flag Dental in Flagstaff, our friendly staff will do all we can to help you obtain a smile that you can be proud to show off. Come in, call, or head over to our website to get started!
