Teeth Whitening – Is It Safe?
Many dental patients wonder whether teeth whitening is safe; they would like to have whiter teeth but are concerned about the procedure. If you would like a brighter smile, contact Sunrise Dental in Glendale, Arizona to schedule a consultation. Professional teeth whitening in our office is completely safe for your teeth and will not impact other dental work. We can answer all of your questions and concerns about teeth whitening, and recommend the right treatment for you.
How Do Teeth Become Stained?
As your teeth age, the enamel may become stained or discolored. Certain foods, beverages, and other substances such as tobacco will stain the outside of your teeth. This is called extrinsic staining. Internal tooth discoloration can be caused by childhood illness, infection, or tooth trauma. This type of blemish, or intrinsic staining, can only be treated by a dentist. Treatment for intrinsic staining requires professional-grade products with high concentrations of bleaching agents that are only available to licensed practitioners.
Is Teeth Whitening Effective?
Professional teeth whitening safely removes extrinsic stains and discoloration from aged enamel and even improves intrinsic staining. In-office treatments are more effective and last longer than over-the-counter products. Because whitening treatments only work on natural teeth, you might need to have old fillings, crowns, or other restorations replaced in order to match your newly whitened teeth. Whitening is not a permanent procedure—most patients need a touch up every year or two. We will help you schedule appointments designed specifically for maintaining your perfect smile.
Teeth Whitening at Sunrise Dental
We will start with a professional examination and create a personal treatment plan specifically for your teeth. Our whitening procedure is totally safe and painless. It takes about 60 minutes, and we will do our best to make you comfortable and relaxed while you pass the time. We begin by protecting your gums, then we apply a whitening gel to your teeth. After fifteen minutes, we rinse away the gel. There will be three 15-minute applications in total to complete the treatment.
What Should I Expect after Teeth Whitening?
For several days following a tooth whitening procedure, you should not eat or drink anything that might stain your teeth. Examples of foods to avoid include coffee, red wine, berries, soy sauce, and mustard. When you enjoy these foods and beverages after treatments, do so sparingly and with proper brushing and flossing afterward. Some patients might experience sensitivity to cold after whitening treatments, but this sensation is temporary and should only last a few days. If you do experience sensitivity during or after an in-office whitening procedure, we may apply a desensitizing fluoride or recommend a sensitivity toothpaste that can help with your symptoms.
Contact Us Today
The safest way to whiten your teeth is with an appointment at Sunrise Dental in Glendale. Cosmetic dentistry is one of our specialties. Call us at 623-487-4870 to schedule an exam – you’ll be smiling brighter in no time!
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