Teeth Whitening | Eureka, MO
Teeth can become less than white for a variety of reasons. Teeth stain during our lifetime is largely due to the consumption of certain foods and drinks (cola, spicy food, coffee, etc.), as well as:
- Medications
- Aging
- Tobacco
- Genetics
Even if you’re diligent in your brushing and flossing, tooth stains and odd coloring can still steal your confident smile. Luckily, it can be fixed and several teeth whitening solutions are available at Eureka Dental Group!
Teeth Whitening Methods
Important life events such as weddings, family reunions, and graduations deserve the smile you’ve always wanted. There are a variety of methods to whiten teeth, depending on the results you are seeking.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Some less effective store-bought options include whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes. The usage of these products is simple; they require regular brushing, flossing, and fluoride mouthwash. Many patients are happy with the results they receive from Crest White Strips, which are placed over the teeth for thirty minutes.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The new technology of teeth whitening has enabled dentists to whiten teeth without any change or damage to the tooth structure.
The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in-office whitening. Tray whitening occurs when a custom tray is made for the patient after an impression is taken, then a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and they will wear the tray for a few hours a day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. This method is done in the comfort of the patient’s home. In our office, the most effective solution is custom whitening trays that are made based on impressions taken of your teeth. The trays can be saved for future use whenever you feel the need to freshen up your smile.
In-office whitening, on the other hand, is the most effective method of whitening. There are a few different processes available (BriteSmile, Zoom, or laser whitening), but in all these methods, you can have your teeth whitened in one session for satisfactory results.
BriteSmile is a professional tooth whitening method that utilizes hydrogen peroxide to brighten. In addition to a set of three, 20-minute intervals of the gel and blue light, a hardening resin is applied to the gums to prevent irritation. Final results are seen 48 hours following treatment, and can last a significant amount of time with proper tooth care.
Zoom is one of the safest and quickest ways to whiten stained teeth. The process is simple and is performed in-office. Whitening gel is placed on the teeth, followed by the Zoom light that accelerates the solution. Dramatic results are often seen in minimal time.
Laser teeth whitening is the most aggressive and quickest method. As opposed to blue LED light that is utilized in the BriteSmile and Zoom processes, heat energy is used. Bleach is applied to each individual tooth and is followed by heat generated from the laser for optimal results. Although laser teeth whitening is fast, it is also the most expensive.
Drs. Wehrmeister and G’Sell can give you more detailed information and tell you which method is more suitable in your case. They possess the expertise to recommend the best plans for your needs, as well as to monitor and modify the methods over time.
What’s the Difference Between Over-the-Counter and Professional?
Almost all the whitening methods are similar in concept, but some are much more effective because of the way the whitening material is delivered to the teeth. For example, with store-bought methods, whitening gel can sometimes be placed onto your gums, which not only causes discomfort, but can also damage them in the long run.
The other factor to consider is the concentration of material, which is the reason why over-the-counter whitening systems usually don’t give patients the result they are expecting. Do-it-yourself methods such as whitening strips don’t contain the bleaching agents that can reach the inner layers of each tooth. In addition, they require consistent use over a span of many months to achieve the desired result.
How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening
The sensitivity of the teeth is a normal complication of each whitening method and is almost always transitional. Although the sensitivity should subside over time, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the discomfort in the meantime:
- Lessen the frequency of your whitening treatments
- Decrease the amount of whitening agents used during the treatments
- Communicate your discomfort to the Eureka Dental Group team, who can adjust your plan accordingly
- Use oral health products that are specifically created for sensitive teeth (i.e. Sensodyne® toothpaste)
- Brush your teeth with soft-bristled brushes
- Rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash
Contact the Eureka, MO Teeth Whitening Experts
Our team of professionals knows how crucial a beautiful smile is to your overall confidence. That’s why we offer several personalized teeth whitening solutions and dental procedures to Eureka and the surrounding areas. Whether you desire to brighten your teeth before your wedding or wish to whiten them to build confidence, we are here to help. Request an appointment with our teeth whitening experts today to get started with creating the smile of your dreams!