People with stained or discolored teeth can use teeth whitening to see a difference in the shade of their smile. Even when you brush your teeth regularly, food and drinks leave an invisible residue that can alter the color of teeth. The most common discoloration comes from drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine. Smoking also affects teeth discoloration by depositing dark particles onto the enamel.
The teeth whitening process employs oxidizing agents to remove this residue and restore teeth to their natural color. You can choose between bleach trays, over-the-counter kits or professional in-office treatments to find the best method for you. Some people see results after one treatment, while others have to repeat the process until they have achieved the desired shade.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening
Our dental professionals can perform this service using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These two chemical fillers work in a different way to increase the whiteness of teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide bleach penetrates the enamel and breaks down stains on the surface of teeth. At first, you may notice your smile looks brighter after an in-office treatment. Over time, however, the hydrogen peroxide dissipates and your teeth may once again darken. This is why patients who choose this method often have to return for touch-ups.
In contrast, carbamide peroxide works from the inside out to break down stains and discoloration molecules. This means that teeth continue to appear whiter, even after the treatment has finished. Due to this lasting effect, patients who choose this type of teeth whitening often do not require as many touch-ups as those who opt for hydrogen peroxide treatment.
Touch-Up Treatments
After the initial teeth whitening treatment, it is common to require follow-up treatments to maintain the light color and prevent your teeth from returning to their original shade. These touch-ups usually last around 15 minutes and can be completed during a regular dental appointment or with home-use treatments.
Typically, touch-ups involve the dentist applying a hydrogen peroxide gel on your teeth. This causes them to lighten over the course of several weeks, at which point you will return for another touch-up session.
With both types of teeth whitening, you can take care of discoloration and maintain your smile at home between professional treatments.
We use whitening trays to bleach our patients’ teeth. The trays include either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide bleaching agents. Our dental team places the material inside custom-fit trays that fit around your teeth.
You wear the trays for a few hours every day until you achieve the desired results. This usually takes between one and two weeks.
Our professional teeth whitening solutions are more effective than over-the-counter options, containing inadequate amounts of bleach to lighten teeth. In addition, over-the-counter kits do not involve a dental professional fitting you for custom trays and ensuring they are comfortable for your mouth.
Get Your Smile Back At Newbury Dental
Our professionals understand how to use teeth whitening trays safely and effectively, giving you the best chance of achieving a whiter smile.
If you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening or how to achieve the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to schedule an appointment at Newbury Dental Group. We will be happy to meet with you and discuss which teeth whitening treatment is best for you.
We are excited to provide the newest advancements in cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today for more information!