If you want a brighter smile, you can achieve that with tooth whitening. This cosmetic dentistry treatment has become more popular over the years increasing the demand for easy and affordable options. There are many whitening products in a store that claim to whiten teeth. However, whitening treatments from a dentist office offer superior results. Dr. Keyshla Escobar offers professional teeth whitening in Huntsville, TX, that is more effective, safer, and last longer than store-bought whitening products.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs Store-Bought Whitening Products
Professional teeth whitening and store-bought whitening products aim to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile. However, they are vastly different in many ways. Store-bought whitening may seem cheap and easy to get, but it will probably let you down in the end. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, your best option is to invest in a professional whitening treatment. Here are the key differences between the two:
Effectiveness and Strength
- Professional teeth whitening treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This ensures a more profound and faster whitening effect, often noticeable after just one session.
- Store-bought whitening products, including whitening strips and toothpaste, have lower concentrations of bleaching agents. They are less potent, requiring more time and consistent use to achieve noticeable results.
Safety and Supervision
- With professional whitening, you will always have the support of your dentist to ensure your safety. Your dentist can immediately address any sensitivity or adverse reactions, providing a safer overall experience.
- You use store-bought products at home without professional guidance, increasing the risk of misuse or overuse. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or enamel damage.
Cost
- Professional teeth whitening will generally cost more due to the use of stronger agents and the supervision of a dental professional. The cost reflects the immediate and noticeable results, along with the professional nature of the treatment.
- Whitening products from a store are affordable, accessible, and cheap. This makes them attractive for many patients on a budget. However, the lower cost comes with reduced effectiveness and a higher risk of improper use.
Duration of Results
- You can expect tooth whitening to last longer due to the higher concentration of bleaching agents and the more precise application. Dentists can also provide advice on maintaining the results for as long as possible.
- Results from other products may not last as long, and the products often need to be used repeatedly over time to maintain the whitening effect. This will increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and enamel damage.
Teeth Whitening in Huntsville, TX
Huntsville Family Dental offers take-home whitening kits that allow you to treat your teeth at home. You can purchase them at our office during regular business hours. Each kit comes with pre-filled trays for the top and bottom teeth. The professional whitening treatment kit we offer is a user-friendly and convenient way to achieve a brighter smile at home.
To begin treatment, brush your teeth because this will help the whitening gel make direct contact with your teeth. Open one kit and remove the upper and lower trays. They are designed to be used right out of the box. Start with one tray and then apply the other. Gently create suction in your mouth or lightly press the trays down to secure them against your teeth. The goal is to make sure they are fully seated and in contact with all areas of your teeth.
Dr. Escobar will advise you on how long you should wear each tray. Typically the trays should be worn for 15-60 minutes per day. Repeat this process daily for 5-10 days or as directed by your dentist. Be sure to gently brush your teeth after each use to ensure all gel is removed.
How Long Will My Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of your results will depend on your habits. The results from teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to a few years. However, if you properly take care of your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that cause staining, your results can last longer. Additionally, do not smoke as this habit leads to yellow teeth.
If you are interested in permanent options to whiten your teeth, Dr. Escobar offers other cosmetic dentistry treatments. We cannot remove some stains on teeth. In these cases, we can provide you with a more long-lasting solution:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Crowns
- Tooth Bonding
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Discolored teeth are a common issue that can affect anyone, making your smile look dull or unhealthy. Understanding the reasons behind tooth discoloration can help you take steps to keep your teeth bright and white. Many factors cause teeth to change color, including what you eat and drink, your oral hygiene habits, medications, aging, and more.
Foods, Drinks, and Oral Habits
One of the most common reasons for discolored teeth is the food and drinks we consume. Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda contain strong pigments called chromogens that stick to your teeth and stain them over time. Foods like berries, tomato, and soy sauce can stain teeth. When you consume these items regularly without cleaning your teeth properly, the pigments build up on the enamel, causing your teeth to appear yellow or stained.
Poor oral hygiene is another major factor. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and food particles can build up on your teeth, leading to discoloration. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, a yellow or brown substance that is much more difficult to clean. Good brushing and flossing habits are essential to prevent these stains.
Tobacco use is a significant cause of tooth discoloration. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can turn teeth yellow or brown due to the nicotine and tar that stick to your teeth. Tobacco stains are usually stubborn and can penetrate deeper into the tooth, making them harder to remove. In addition, smoking increases the risk of gum disease, which can also impact the overall appearance of your teeth.
Medications, Aging, and Genetics
Certain medications can lead to discolored teeth as well. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can stain the teeth of children whose teeth are still developing. Even some adult medications, including antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and certain chemotherapy drugs, can cause teeth to darken or change color. These types of stains often affect the tooth’s inner layers, making them more difficult to treat with regular whitening methods.
Aging is a natural process that can also cause teeth to become discolored. As you get older, the enamel on your teeth wears down, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel; as it becomes more visible, your teeth can appear darker or yellow. This is a gradual process, but it’s a normal part of aging.
Genetics can play a role in how your teeth look, too. Some people naturally have brighter, thicker enamel, while others may have thinner enamel with more yellow dentin underneath. If your parents have discolored teeth, you might be more likely to experience the same.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
This number varies with each patient. Genetically, some people’s teeth respond better to whitening treatment than others. It also depends on lifestyle habits. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, your whitening results don’t last as long. They can last anywhere from a few months to a year.
How long do your pores stay open after teeth whitening?
The two to three days after whitening are crucial in avoiding staining foods and beverages. Teeth whitening works by opening up the pores of your teeth, letting the bleaching agent into the deepest parts of the tooth. These pores stay open for around 48 hours. Do your best to avoid things like coffee, red wine, or strawberries during this time.
How many times can I whiten my teeth?
We recommend getting professional whitening treatments no more than twice a year. Though professional teeth whitening is less likely to cause sensitivity than over-the-counter products, whitening too much quickly makes your teeth more sensitive. This can cause pain and discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold things.
Does whitening your teeth make them weaker?
No, this misconception often circulates because of the sensitivity people experience after they whiten their teeth. This is mainly only for the first couple of days after the procedure, and the effect dissipates after a few days.
Does it take longer to whiten the bottom teeth?
It’s all about the distribution of the whitening product. In take-home products, it’s usually a custom set of trays that contain professional-grade whitening gel. Since the bottom teeth are smaller, it’s usually harder to evenly distribute the product and ensure it covers the teeth fully.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
We don’t perform tooth whitening procedures on patients who are teenagers, as their mouths are still growing and developing. You also need clean teeth, so the whitening process works properly. If you have patches of plaque or tartar, you’ll end up with a splotchy result.
Call Today to learn more about Professional Teeth Whitening in Huntsville, TX
Call Huntsville Family Dental today at (936) 220-3158 to learn more about professional teeth whitening in Huntsville, TX.