Your smile is one of the first things a person notices about you, so it’s important to have a smile that you love. Teeth whitening is one way to go about improving stained, yellow teeth, allowing you
Causes of Stained Teeth
If you are interested in teeth whitening, there is a good chance that you have tooth discoloration that was caused by one of the following factors:
- Consuming food and drinks that leave stains, such as coffee, tea, and wine
- Tobacco use
- Inability to brush and floss properly
- Diseases and conditions such as calcium deficiency, liver disease, eating disorders, rickets, and celiac disease
- Medications, such as certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive medications
- Aging
- Genetics
- Environmental sources, such as the amount of fluoride in a local water source
- Tooth trauma
Who Can Get Teeth Whitening Services?
While teeth whitening can work for a variety of patients, those with the best results are typically people with otherwise healthy teeth and gum tissue. It also helps if your teeth have minimal fillings or restorations, as it’s easier to achieve a consistent coloring without those.
That said, there are some people who do not always make the best candidates for teeth whitening. This includes:
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Children under the age of 16
- Patients with severe gum disease, tooth decay, or exposed roots
- Patients with sensitive teeth
- People who are allergic to certain teeth whitening agents, such as peroxide
If you have any questions about whether or not you’d make an ideal candidate, just set up an appointment with Dr. Follette at your earliest convenience so she can discuss your options with you.
What to Expect
Getting your teeth whitened is one of the simplest, least invasive cosmetic dental procedures in existence. If you decide to have your teeth professionally whitened in-office, you should expect to experience the following:
- To get started, your teeth will be polished and then isolated with gauze to keep them dry.
- A barrier will be placed between your teeth and your gum line to protect your gums.
- Your teeth will be coated with the whitening solution. In many cases, the products will require a curing light or laser to activate the materials that lighten your teeth. The solution normally will be left on from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Once you’ve reached the right shade of white, the dentist will rinse your teeth.
- Temporary sensitivity is common afterward, so don’t be surprised if cold and hot foods take a little adjustment at first.
- If you require any further visits to reach the desired shade, you can schedule them on your way out of the office!
It really is as simple as that, and you’ll have whiter teeth in no time!
Book Today
If you are interested in either booking a teeth-whitening appointment or even just a consultation to learn whether this procedure may be right for you, contact Dr. Follette’s office to set up something. We’ll get you on the schedule at a time that’s convenient for you, and before you know it, you’ll be on the fast track toward having the bright, vibrant smile of your dreams!