Everyone wishes to have a whiter and brighter smile, to feel more confident when speaking to others. Unfortunately, for most people, teeth will begin to yellow or brown with age as well as due to the foods we eat and drinks we consume. There are options for a whiter smile, thanks to whitening methods, but most people have no idea which products are best or where to start. Here at Colin M. McKinney, DMD, our team can provide a teeth whitening service to help you achieve a whiter and brighter smile.
In-Office Based Whitening Vs. At-Home Treatments
If you are like most people, you have probably tried at-home treatments to achieve whiter teeth. Systems for use at home will contain 3 to 20 percent peroxide or carbamide/hydrogen peroxides. This will create a whitening of the teeth, but will not be nearly as strong or as bright as a dental office procedure.
We use whitening systems in our office that contain higher levels of peroxide to ensure a brighter smile. With a higher percentage of peroxide, you will only need to keep the solution on your teeth for a short amount of time. At our office, we know how to apply the solution carefully to ensure your teeth are whiter but are not dehydrated. Leaving a solution on for too long can result in dehydration of the tooth as well as teeth becoming more sensitive.
The In-Office Solution
While there are over the counter products for whitening your teeth, we suggest an in-office procedure. Dr. McKinney will be able to examine your teeth and determine if you are a good candidate for whitening. The bleaching solution used will be stronger than a kit you would purchase for home, and when combined with heat and light of our tools, we can speed up and intensify the whitening process.
In general, teeth can become three to eight times brighter in a short thirty to sixty-minute session. Our treatments can be completed regularly to ensure your teeth stay bright and white.
Maintaining Results
When you have a whitening procedure completed by our office, it is important to work at maintaining the results. Regular brushing, as well as flossing and rinsing, will help to ensure the whitening treatment remains in effect for as long as possible. Foods with tannin and those that are acidic should be avoided for the best, long-lasting results.
Several types of drinks should also be avoided to ensure no staining of the teeth. This includes black tea and coffee, white wine, red wine, sports drinks, soda, sauces like tomato and soy as well as berries and strong-colored foods. Avoiding such drinks and foods will ensure your teeth stay as white as they can for a longer period.
When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are options. Consult with us today to see what treatment options we can provide to help you have a whiter and brighter smile. For more information about teeth whitening procedures, call the experienced professionals here at Colin M. McKinney, DMD at (772) 266-2223 today!