Of the many different ways to improve the health and appearance of your teeth, one of the simplest dental treatments is tooth whitening. This non-invasive procedure works to lighten the color of your enamel, giving you a brighter, more vibrant smile.
People get their teeth whitened for a variety of reasons. For some, it is to help improve the look of the outer tooth layer that is susceptible to normal wear and tear. Over time, our enamel naturally yellows, so teeth whitening is a good option for combatting this. Other reasons include getting rid of stains caused by smoking or drinking certain drinks, like tea, wine, and coffee. Even some medications, like tetracycline, can cause stains! No matter the reason, whiter teeth can be accomplished in a few different ways.
There are two main options for getting brighter teeth. The first option is to buy over-the-counter strips at your local retailer. While convenient, the effects of these are short-lived and require more maintenance. The second option requires the help of your dentist. This kind of whitening will usually happen over the course of two appointments. At your first visit, your dentist will create molds of your teeth in order to create clear, customized trays. During your second visit, they will ensure that your trays fit properly and make any adjustments as needed. From there, the rest is done in the comfort of your own home. A special whitening solution will be given to you, which you will place in your trays. From there, you either wear the trays in your mouth twice a day for 30 minutes, or you can opt to wear them overnight. With due diligence, your teeth will achieve your desired level of whitening over the course of a few weeks. Unlike the strips, this method typically only requires a touch-up once a year.
One additional option is in-office whitening. This also can vary in techinique but it is traditionally takes 1 – 1 1/2 hours in the dental chair where the gum tissue is protected with a barrier and a much stronger solution is placed on the teeth for a few seprate applications. This can whiten the teeth to around the level you will see after 1 week of traditional whitening but is is done in one appointment and can be great for those that need quick results.
If you’re in the market for teeth whitening, talk to our Long Beach dental team today. They can determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening, as well as recommend the option that would work best for you. A whiter, more vibrant smile will leave you feeling confident in your appearance and ready to take on the world! Take the next step and schedule an appointment. In doing so, you’ll be that much closer to having the “Pearly Whites” you’ve always wanted.
It’s easy to book an appointment! Call us at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment here.
