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Get Dazzling Teeth with These Expert Tips and Tricks from Eagle Family Smiles in Chester Springs
Do you feel self-conscious about your dark, yellow, or stained teeth? Do you dream of flaunting a dazzling smile? If so, why not schedule a complimentary consultation and evaluation for tooth whitening with Eagle Family Smiles in Chester Springs?
Tooth whitening is a simple, non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure used to enhance the beauty of your natural teeth by lightening their color. As a Cosmetic dentist in Chester Springs, Dr. Makani offers various methods of tooth whitening. Among them, the most popular one is a professional Philips Zoom teeth whitening system that can dramatically whiten your teeth.
Please note that tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Therefore, it is essential to replace any old fillings, crowns, etc., before undergoing tooth whitening. Dr. Makhani will replace any restorations after bleaching so that they match your newly bleached teeth.
It is important to understand that tooth whitening is not permanent, and you may need touch-ups every several years or more often if you smoke or consume coffee, tea, or wine. Tooth discoloration can occur naturally over time, or it can be accelerated by smoking, chewing tobacco, or consuming certain foods or drinks regularly. Certain prescription medications can also cause tooth discoloration. For that reason, our in-office teeth whitening does include a custom take home tray and a whitening syringe which helps to maintain your recently bleached teeth.
For patients seeking immediate results, Dr. Makani offers Zoom in-office teeth whitening that usually takes about an hour to hour and half and deliver results up to many shades lighter than your original tooth color. This option is ideal for special occasions like weddings, graduations, or job interviews. Our dentist recommends a regular teeth cleaning prior to the actual Zoom teeth whitening procedure.
The procedure begins with taking an impression of your teeth so our dental assistants can make a custom fitted whitening tray for you to take home. This tray can later be utilized to touch-up and maintain the brightness of recently whitened teeth. Then the protective gel is applied to the gums and the lips to prevent and irritation or sensitivity, leaving the teeth exposed. The dentist or the dental assistant then applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel and activates with a special light. The light breaks down the gel allowing oxygen to penetrate the enamel and dentin of the teeth by breaking up the stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax, watch TV or listen to music. Two to four session of 15 minutes application is recommended depending on the individuals need.
Zoom in-office teeth whitening is generally considered safe and effective, but some people may experience sensitivity or discomfort during or after the procedure. Our dentist may recommend sensitivity reducing tooth paste to overcome the temporary sensitivity.
At-home teeth whitening is also available and is very convenient for patients. This method involves a custom-fit professional whitening tray, which ensures that the whitening gel is administered evenly and properly, without damaging your gums or tooth enamel. You can wear the trays either during the day or overnight, depending on your convenience, for several weeks.
At Eagle Family Smiles, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile. Our family dental care in Chester Springs offers professional teeth whitening procedures that remove stains and discoloration, resulting in a brighter, more beautiful smile. Remember, a fresh, white smile can boost your confidence and help you tackle any challenge with ease!
At Eagle Family Smiles, we prioritize our patients’ oral health and work to ensure that their smile is both healthy and beautiful. Before undergoing any cosmetic treatment, our dental team will assess your overall oral health and recommend appropriate solutions for any dental concerns or issues you may have. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, it may be necessary to address those issues before undergoing tooth whitening to achieve the desired results.
Generally, dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening. However, coverage varies depending on the individual insurance plan. If you’re considering tooth whitening, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn more about your specific coverage. At Eagle Family Smiles, we offer affordable tooth whitening options and can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs and budget.
The duration of teeth whitening results is determined by how well a person takes care of their teeth after the treatment. If a patient avoids consuming dark foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda, after the treatment, they can prevent their teeth from staining or darkening. Regular touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the initial bright white appearance of the teeth.
Like any treatment, there may be some side effects associated with teeth whitening. Fortunately, these side effects are temporary and typically subside within one to three days after treatment. The most common side effect is mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, while some patients may experience irritation of the gums or other soft tissue in the mouth. However, these effects are not permanent and do not cause lasting damage.
Typically, tooth whitening requires two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom, clear plastic trays. During your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit and wear them with a special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for several weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. Although tooth sensitivity is normal during the whitening process, it will subside shortly after treatment.
If the dark tooth does not require a root canal, it can be challenging to whiten it. However, internal bleaching is an option for a single front tooth that has undergone a root canal. If internal bleaching is not an option, teeth whitening is a potential solution. Although it is the cheapest option, it may take the longest to achieve the desired results.
Before starting the whitening process, it is important to determine your goal. Are you preparing for a special event or do your teeth have heavy staining? If you have habits such as drinking coffee or red wine or smoking, you may require a stronger chemical and experience hot and cold sensitivity. It is essential to consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
While it is not recommended to stop whitening altogether, it is advised to slow down the frequency of treatment. For some people, every other or every third day may be the best interval for teeth whitening for patients who prefer at-home teeth whitening.
Every individual has different goals for their teeth whitening results. Generally, the whites of the eyes should match the color of the teeth.
Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, proper care and maintenance can help prolong the results. Avoiding smoking and consuming food and drinks that stain teeth, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to reduce plaque are essential. Additionally, patients can discuss touch-up treatments at six-month intervals with their dentist and use whitening toothpaste as recommended.
Home-use teeth whiteners can be obtained from a dentist or bought over the counter. They are available in various forms such as trays, strips, rinses, or gels that are applied directly to the teeth. These products contain peroxide, a chemical that penetrates the enamel to lighten the color of the teeth. For custom trays provided by your dentist, the whitening gel should be applied to the trays and worn for the instructed period either during the day or overnight. Overuse of the trays can cause tooth sensitivity due to the peroxide in the gel. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist to ensure safe and effective teeth whitening.