Do you miss that brilliantly white smile you used to have? Don’t worry, there’s an easy way to get it back and that’s by having your teeth whitened! Here at Cannon Park Dental, we are experts in teeth whitening services. If you have any questions as to whether or not this is the right option for you, we have the answers.
If my teeth are dull, how do I know if whitening would be a good option for me?
The first way to know figure out if teeth whitening is the best for you is to schedule a dental examination with x-rays to determine the reasoning behind the tooth discoloration. If your teeth are discolored due tooth decay or root canal problems, then whitening won’t be a good solution. Also, once you’ve had your teeth cleaned by your dentist, you may realize that you don’t need whitening. After you’ve had your dental exam, we can determine together if teeth whitening is the best option for you.
How white can I expect my teeth to be after the treatment?
An important thing to note is that not everyone’s smile is going to reach the same level of whiteness. The most natural-looking shade is the one that matches the whiteness of your tooth to the white of your eye. Also, each tooth has it’s maximum whiteness, to which it cannot be whitened any further. For this process, the peroxide goes through the enamel (the outermost layer) and dentin (the middle layer) to the pulp (the innermost layer). This changes the genetic color of the entin and the enamel and removes the stains for optimal whiteness.
How long will the treatment last?
This depends on the person. Typically, after having your teeth whitened, it should last between 6 months to 2 years, but it isn’t unheard of for the whitening treatment to last beyond this time period. Touch-up treatments are also an option. But, to make the results last as long as possible, it is best to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine and to regularly visit your dentist for teeth cleaning. Also, avoiding foods and habits that can discolor your teeth, like tobacco, wine, or coffee. Staying away from these will help the results to last longer.
Can whitening damage my teeth?
Whitening teeth with low concentrations of peroxide, if used as directed are safe. Solutions that are more acidic can remove the enamel from the teeth especially when used for long periods. Enamel is a very important part of protecting your teeth, so these should be avoided. However, a common side effect of whitening is tooth sensitivity, but this can be combated by using toothpaste with potassium nitrate a couple of weeks prior to your whitening.
Make your appointment today so you can enjoy your summer with a bright white smile! We have several ways you can book an appointment with us:
Call us at (843) 732-5346
Request an appointment online: www.cannonparkdental.com
Or visit us downtown at 112 ½ Ashley Ave., Charleston