Teeth Whitening Las Vegas is the process of lightening teeth to make them look brighter. It can be done in the dental office or with over-the-counter bleaching products.
First the teeth are cleaned with a toothbrush and floss to remove bacteria, food particles and other debris that could interfere with whitening. Photographs may be taken to help monitor the progress of treatment.
How It Works
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can lighten your smile by several shades in just a few weeks. It is a safe and effective option for most people, but there are some important factors to consider before choosing this treatment.
Tooth whitening works by removing staining agents from the surface of your teeth. These stains are caused by food and drink, smoking, medications, and other things that can discolor the enamel layer of your teeth. This can cause your teeth to look yellow or brown.
To whiten your teeth, you can use a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash that contains a whitening agent. However, it is important to read the product’s instructions carefully before using it. You may need to apply the product to your teeth for a longer period of time or use it more frequently than recommended.
Some whitening products use hydrogen peroxide to break down the stains on your teeth. Other products use a laser or light to accelerate the whitening process. However, the American Dental Association does not endorse these systems because they have been found to increase sensitivity and are not as effective as other whitening methods.
There are also a number of whitening products that do not contain a bleaching agent but still work to whiten your teeth. These include whitening strips and gels, which can be applied to the teeth using an applicator. Some whitening products require you to wear them twice a day for 14 days, while others only need one 30-minute application per day to achieve the same results.
You can also have your teeth professionally whitened in a dentist’s office. This treatment uses a high-strength whitening gel to produce a noticeable color change in your teeth. Before the whitening, your teeth will be cleaned to ensure that the whitening agent can reach all of the surfaces of your teeth.
Once your teeth are whiter, it will take less time for them to become stained again. If you continue to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain your teeth, such as coffee or red wine, you should be able to maintain your new, whiter smile for up to a year.
Preparation
Taking the time to prepare for whitening can help to ensure that the treatment achieves your desired results. These preparation steps range from consulting with a dentist for personalized guidance to ensuring that pre-treatment instructions are followed through. Ultimately, these strategies will give your whitening procedure the best chance of success.
Teeth stains are caused by a variety of factors, from foods and drinks to genetics and age. Whitening procedures can reduce the appearance of these stains and restore your smile’s natural appearance. However, teeth whitening doesn’t address all stains, and it may not be appropriate for certain patients. In these cases, other cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns might be the best option.
Before undergoing whitening, it is important to visit your dentist and have any underlying dental issues addressed. For example, gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease, can be treated with teeth cleaning and a renewed dedication to oral hygiene. More severe gum disease, such as periodontitis, requires more invasive treatments like root scaling and planing or gum flap surgery. If any of these problems are not addressed prior to a whitening session, the resulting staining and discoloration will be harder to treat.
It is also a good idea to limit the consumption of foods and beverages that can stain teeth. Some of these include dark-colored foods, such as coffee, tea, red wine and tomato sauce, as well as acidic beverages like citrus fruits and juices. Similarly, smoking or tobacco products should be avoided prior to a whitening treatment.
In addition to avoiding foods that can stain, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly in the weeks leading up to your whitening appointment. This will remove any debris and prevent it from causing irritation or preventing the whitening agent from effectively reaching your teeth.
Whitening products are available in a variety of forms, including gels, strips and rinses. The bleaching agent in these products is usually hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with the chromogens in your tooth to lighten them. Whitening rinses are typically used twice a day according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while whitening gels are applied directly to the surface of your teeth and left to sit for about 14 days.
Treatment
Teeth whitening treatments are typically done in the dental office. First, the dentist will put a gel or rubber shield on your gums to protect them. Then the whitening product is placed on the teeth using a tray that fits in your mouth like a mouthguard. The whitening product will usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent. When the bleaching agent is exposed to oxygen, it breaks down and lightens the color of the tooth enamel.
The procedure may require one or more applications of the whitening agent for 30 to 60 minutes each time. After the optimum tooth shade is reached, the treatment is stopped. A fluoride application or post-treatment gel might be added to ease any tooth sensitivity that occurs.
Before any whitening, your dentist will conduct an oral examination and consider whether the stains are intrinsic (inside the tooth) or extrinsic (on the surface). If the stains are intrinsic, they cannot be whitened by chemical bleaching, but can only be removed with dental bonding or dental crowns. However, if the stains are purely extrinsic, a whitening treatment can make your smile several shades lighter and greatly boost your self-confidence.
After a whitening treatment, it is important to avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth for at least 48 hours. Taking an over-the-counter sensitivity medication is recommended to help manage any discomfort or sensitivity. It is also advisable to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular cleanings.
Keep in mind that a whitening treatment will not last forever, but it can be repeated to maintain your bright new smile for months and even years. To keep your teeth looking their best, it is important to brush, floss and use a sensitivity toothpaste on a daily basis. It is also a good idea to limit your consumption of dark colored foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine and cola. Over-the-counter touch-up products are available to help restore your bright smile if the stains begin to return. However, the most effective way to prevent stains from returning is to have a whitening treatment before they start.
Maintenance
After a teeth whitening treatment, it is important to maintain your new-found whiteness. Thankfully, this is easy to do with a little dedication and knowledge. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your dazzling smile:
For the first 48 hours after your treatment, avoid foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. This includes coffee, dark juices, red wine and even certain types of chocolate. Also, be sure to avoid acidic foods and beverages, as these can erode the protective enamel coating that protects your teeth. In addition, you should avoid colored mouthwashes, as they can add stains to your newly white smile.
Once the initial 48-hour period is over, you should return to your normal eating habits. But, be sure to eat light-colored foods, such as cheese, milk, rice, white pasta sauces and vegetables. In addition, you should avoid dark-colored sauces that can discolor your teeth, such as soy sauce, red pasta sauce and BBQ sauce. It is also best to drink clear alcoholic beverages, like gin, sake, white rum and vodka.
During the maintenance phase, you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and floss once a day to remove food particles from between your teeth. You should also continue to visit your dentist for routine cleaning sessions to eliminate plaque, which can cause stains.
A great way to avoid stains is by using a remineralizing gel, which helps replenish minerals in your teeth that have been eroded due to acidic foods and beverages. Your dentist can recommend a product that is right for you.
Finally, be sure to avoid tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco, as these can quickly reverse the results of your whitening procedure. By following these simple tips, you can maintain your brilliant white smile for a lifetime. If you are in need of a teeth whitening procedure, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. They can provide you with valuable insights, tips and information about your smile’s appearance.