Teeth Whitening

Would you like a brighter, whiter, more beautiful smile? Here at Eagle Harbor Dental, our team offers various convenient whitening systems to help give you the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of. You might be surprised how it improves your life!

Why Do Teeth Change Color?

Your teeth may change color for several reasons, dulling the whiteness of your smile. Coffee, tea, and other beverages and foods are often contributing culprits to the process, in addition to tobacco use and certain medications. Trauma may change the composition of a tooth, resulting in a greater amount of dentin and making the tooth appear darker. Aging may also change the color of the tooth as the enamel thins and the dentin shows through.

Whitening Options

When considering teeth whitening, you have several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

• Whitening Toothpaste: These are readily available and can be used daily. However, they tend to be less effective at removing deeper stains and may lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
• Over-The-Counter Kits: These kits include strips, gels, and trays. They are more affordable than professional treatments but offer modest results and require consistent application.
• In-Office Whitening: This professional option provides the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. It involves direct application of a high-concentration bleaching agent under carefully monitored conditions.
• Take-Home Whitening: Customized by your dentist, these kits involve filling trays with a bleaching agent and wearing them for specified periods. They are effective while allowing for more control over the whitening process at home.

Each option varies in effectiveness, cost, and potential sensitivity, making it important to choose the one that best meets your needs and lifestyle.

In-Office Treatment

Before starting a professional teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive consultation to assess your dental health and discuss your aesthetic goals. Once prepared, the process typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation: Your dentist covers your gums and lips to protect them from the strong whitening agents.
• Whitening: A specific gel is applied to your teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the chemical. This process can be repeated several times in one session.
• Final Touches and Guidance: After achieving the desired shade, your dentist will guide you in maintaining your new smile.

The entire procedure typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the color of your teeth and your desired shade. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

Take-Home Whitening

Teeth can be whitened at home using a kit provided by your dentist. This works much like over-the-counter kits, but the dentist may use stronger chemicals that whiten the teeth better and faster.

Instead of strips, these kits typically use a whitening gel. The trays that are provided by the dentist are specially crafted to fit your teeth for maximum benefit. As with over-the-counter kits, you may be instructed to whiten your teeth daily for several weeks to achieve your desired results.

Best Way To Whiten Teeth: Professional Whitening vs. At-Home Kits

While there are numerous over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional whitening performed in a dentist’s office is generally more effective and safer. Here’s why:

• Stronger Whitening Agents: Professional whitening uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents, resulting in faster and more pronounced results.
• Customized Treatment: We customize the treatment to fit each patient’s specific needs, ensuring the health of your gums and teeth are protected throughout the process.
• Immediate Results: In-office procedures typically take about an hour and results can be seen immediately, whereas at-home kits require consistent application over days or weeks.

Watch this video to see the fastest way dentists like to whiten teeth!

Aftercare and Maintenance

Post-whitening care is crucial to maintain the brightness of your smile. We recommend that you do the following to help prolong the results.

• Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages for at least a week after treatment
• Regularly brush and floss
• Periodic touch-up using at-home products approved by your dentist

Are There Any Risks?

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure when performed or guided by a professional. However, some may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This typically subsides within a few days after the treatment. We take measures to minimize any discomfort and provide specific aftercare tips to manage sensitivity.

Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. It is typically not recommended for children under 16, pregnant women, or individuals with severe sensitivity, allergies to products, or gum disease. During the consultation, we assess suitability for the whitening process based on your oral health history and current condition.

Speak With One of Our Dentists Today

At Eagle Harbor Dentist, we are committed to ensuring that your journey to a brighter smile is comfortable, effective, and safe. If you’re considering teeth whitening, contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your cosmetic goals with confidence.