Do you want a whiter smile? These days it seems like every oral care brand is launching their own teeth whitening products.
Over-the-counter whitening products such as strips and toothpaste are affordable, but do they really work? The truth is that over-the-counter whitening products are only a fraction as effective as our in-office teeth whitening treatments. Here’s why Dr. Helmus, our teeth whitening dentist, recommends making an appointment for in-office teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Benefits
Results in One Appointment
Unlike teeth whitening at home, Dr. Helmus will be able to give you a noticeably whiter smile in under an hour. Teeth whitening is a quick procedure that’s easy to slip into a busy schedule. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our dentist to determine if teeth whiteningis right for your smile.
Depending on the extent of tooth discoloration, Dr. Helmus may recommend porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry options. For example, professional teeth whitening may not be the best choice for discoloration caused by dental fluorosis (mottled teeth caused by excessive fluoride intake). Dental veneers, however, would cover the front of your teeth so you can smile and talk with confidence.
If you have severe tooth discoloration, Dr. Helmus will break up your appointment into multiple short sessions. After applying whitening gel to your teeth, Dr. Helmus will shine a special lamp to accelerate teeth bleaching. The light breaks down the hydrogen peroxide in the gel to lift tooth stains and .
To help you pass the time during your appointment, we recommend bringing your phone or another device that lets you listen to music. Once the procedure is over, we’ll give you instructions on how you can maintain your white smile from home.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Depending on the extent of tooth discoloration, Dr. Helmus may be able to give you supplies so you can try teeth whitening at home. If this is the case, we will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom whitening tray. Whitening teeth at home means you’ll be able to whiten your teeth when it’s most convenient for you.
Works on Sensitive Teeth
Just because you have sensitive teeth, doesn’t mean you can’t try . The whitening gel and varnish we use is specially formulated as to not irritate teeth and gums. While some of our patients experience “zingers” or brief flashes of pain during treatment, many are willing to experience temporary discomfort if it means having whiter teeth. Also, keep in mind that different people have different levels of pain tolerance. One person’s negative experience doesn’t necessarily predict how you’ll react to teeth whitening.
If you wish to stop treatment at any time, let Dr. Helmus know. If you have sensitive teeth, we are willing to work at a pace that’s comfortable to you. That way, you can feel in control of your treatment.
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the look of your smile. If you’re ready to take the plunge, we can help! Dr. Helmus is our Wyoming, MI teeth whitening dentist. To schedule your teeth whitening appointment, call River Ridge Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.