We offer professional teeth whitening services to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best dental care in Beaverton, OR. Let’s explore what teeth whitening is all about and how it can benefit you.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the color of your teeth, removing stains and discoloration. It’s a simple and effective way to enhance your smile and boost your self-esteem. Whether you have a special event coming up or just want to improve your appearance, teeth whitening can make a significant difference.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Teeth can become discolored for several reasons, including:
- Coffee and Tea: Frequent consumption can lead to brown stains.
- Smoking: Cigarettes can cause yellow or brown stains.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup.
- Aging: Teeth naturally become less white as we age.
- Certain Foods and Drinks: Berries, red wine, and dark chocolate can stain teeth.
- Medications: Some medications, like tetracycline, can cause discoloration.
What to Expect from Teeth Whitening
Before starting the teeth whitening process, here’s what you can expect:
- Dental Exam: We’ll check your teeth for any issues that might affect the whitening process.
- Oral Cleaning: A thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
- Shade Measurement: We’ll determine your teeth’s current color to track progress.
- Application of Whitening Gel: A gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to your teeth.
- Activation with Light: UV or blue light may be used to enhance the whitening effect.
- Protection: Gums and lips are protected from the bleaching gel.
- Post-Treatment Cleaning: We’ll clean your teeth again to ensure they’re free of stains.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office teeth whitening is quick and effective, providing professional results. Here’s how it works:
- Preparation: We’ll take a shade measurement and polish your teeth.
- Application of Whitening Gel: The gel is applied directly to your teeth.
- Activation with Light: Light may be used to activate the gel.
- Protection: Gums and lips are protected from the gel.
- Exposure Time: The gel is left on for 10-30 minutes.
- Post-Treatment Cleaning: We’ll clean your teeth to remove any remaining gel.
Take-Home Whitening
Prefer to whiten your teeth at home? Our custom teeth whitening take-home kits are a great option:
- Custom-Fit Trays: We’ll create trays that fit snugly over your teeth.
- Application of Whitening Gel: The gel is applied to the trays.
- Usage Instructions: Wear the trays for a specified time each day.
- Monitoring Progress: Visit us periodically to track your progress.
- Post-Treatment Care: Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for a few days.
Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth at The Dentist
Whitening your teeth offers several significant benefits that can positively impact both your appearance and self-esteem.
A brighter smile can dramatically boost your confidence, making you feel more comfortable in social and professional situations.
Teeth whitening improves your overall look by making your smile look more radiant and youthful, which can take years off your look and create a more vibrant first impression.
Beyond the cosmetic advantages, teeth whitening can also enhance your oral health by making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Both in-office and take-home whitening treatments are completely non-invasive procedures, meaning you can achieve these benefits without any surgical intervention or lengthy recovery time.
Understand that whitening results are temporary and will gradually fade over time, so you may need regular touch-ups to maintain your bright, white smile.
Are you ready to take the next step to get brighter teeth? Call our Beaverton dental practice at 503-308-7664 or request an appointment online.
