Have you ever considered having professional teeth whitening done? Let our dentists answer any questions you may have!
The substances coming into direct contact with your teeth can leave their mark in the form of stains on the surface and deep beneath your enamel. Over time, these stains deepen in color, making your teeth look more yellow, gray, or brown. Brushing, flossing, and even professional cleanings cannot reach beneath the enamel to effectively remove the stains. If these stains start to bother you, professional teeth whitening treatments in your Little Rock dentist’s office are a great option. To approach the procedure with confidence, you can browse through the following most frequently asked questions to find answers for your concerns.
- What Substances Can Stain My Teeth?
Deeply pigmented food and drinks are the most common substances that leave lasting stains on your teeth. Red and brown pigments, in particular, leave behind a residue that penetrates the enamel and stains the dentin below. If you use tobacco products or take certain kinds of medication, your teeth may turn gray, yellow, or brown over time.
- Why Should I Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Although there are many over the counter teeth whitening kits available today, most will not thoroughly remove the stains causing discoloration. Strips, pens, and pastes may not completely cover the surface of your teeth, for example, leaving stain marks in the missed areas and a translucent appearance in the areas where the product became concentrated. By having teeth whitening treatments handled by your dentist, you are assured consistency and safety throughout the procedure.
- Is the Whitening Procedure Painful?
Most people do not experience any pain during the teeth whitening process. The bleaching agents can cause discomfort along your gum line, so your dentist will apply a protective gel to prevent irritation during treatment.
- What Preparatory Steps Are Required?
Your dentist will likely perform a thorough teeth cleaning prior to treatment and remove any surface stains on your enamel. The cleaning process also allows your dentist to find an appropriate whitening level and plan your treatment protocol accordingly.
- How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The whitening process often takes less than 45 minutes per session. The total number of sessions you need will depend on your stain level and whitening expectations.
- Will My Teeth Feel Sensitive Afterward?
The addition of two important chemicals, potassium nitrate and amorphous calcium phosphate, to the whitening formula drastically reduces your chances of developing tooth sensitivity after the procedure. If you do experience any sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, you can brush your teeth with a toothpaste designed to minimize those effects.
- Are All of the Stains Removed?
Teeth whitening chemicals reach beneath the enamel surface to lift stains out of the porous dentin. The chemicals in the whitening formula have a reaction to one another that deconstructs the carbon causing discoloration. With each treatment, you will likely notice all of your tooth stains growing progressively lighter. If you are not happy with the resulting shade, you can schedule additional whitening sessions.
- Are My Teeth Whitening Results Permanent?
With continued consumption of troublesome substances, your teeth will likely continue developing stains on the surface and deep beneath the enamel. We recommend you consume sugary and acidic foods and drinks in moderation and focus on eating healthy foods that don’t harm your enamel. If stains do reappear later, talk to your dentist about coming in for another teeth whitening session.
- Do I Need to Continue Care at Home?
You have the option to use take-home treatments that brighten up your smile between scheduled teeth whitening sessions. Unlike teeth whitening procedures performed in your dentist’s office that can lighten up to seven shades at a time, the take home treatments only lighten your teeth by a shade or two.
- How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?
You will need to talk to your dentist to see if professional teeth whitening treatments are the right way to address your concerns. Your dentist will consider your whitening expectations, stain level, and overall dental health to create the best treatment plan for you.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening in Little Rock, schedule an appointment at Arkansas Family Dental by calling 501.683.8886. Our team will help you create a treatment plan designed to improve your oral health and brighten your smile.
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