Cosmetic Dentistry Approaches to Teeth Whitening

Are you considering undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to enhance your smile? Continue reading to learn more about one of the most common smile-enhancing procedures: teeth whitening. Under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry, there are multiple approaches to teeth whitening. Having a thorough understanding of each option can be helpful.

Cosmetic dentistry: An overview of teeth whitening

Below is an overview of teeth whitening and how it is approached in cosmetic dentistry. Reviewing this information may be helpful when looking into what options are available for removing dental stains.

In-office whitening treatments

A very popular way to have one's teeth whitened in cosmetic dentistry is via an in-office treatment. Dental offices have access to much stronger products than those that are available in a store. These products can effectively lift stains off of the teeth in a matter of just one appointment. Results are almost instantaneous due to the strength of the whitening solution.

During an in-office teeth whitening treatment, individuals should expect the appointment to take about an hour to an hour and a half. The teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by a hygienist and dried so that the whitening solution works effectively. After this part of the process, the dentist will apply a solution directly to the teeth or a hand-held tray will be used for the teeth to soak in the solution. One should expect to keep the mouth in one position for a few minutes while the solution works its way all over the teeth. To finish, the dentist will use a curing light, which helps set the solution and remove the stains from the enamel.

After the treatment is complete, it is advised to avoid drinking or eating for an hour or so. It is also recommended to avoid dark-colored beverages that could reverse the effects of teeth whitening such as wine, coffee, and tea.

In-office teeth whitening can typically be done every few months, so long as there are no negative reactions to the treatment. Some individuals experience extreme sensitivity, which can be damaging to the teeth long-term.

Take-home trays

An alternative option for teeth whitening in cosmetic dentistry is to obtain take-home trays from the dentist. A lot of dental practices offer this as an option because it is usually a lower cost and allows the patient to control when they whiten their teeth. Of course, the solution is not as effective as when done in an office setting, however, it is still more effective than store-bought products.

Take-home whitening kits are a simple process. The kit comes with trays and multiple rounds of whitening solutions, which are to be used over the course of a couple of weeks. To start, it is advised to thoroughly clean the teeth and rid the mouth of anything that may be left behind, such as food particles. Next, the solution should be poured into the tray and the tray is then placed into the mouth. For a few minutes, the patient cannot move their mouth so that the solution can do its job. To finish, the tray should be removed and emptied.

Similar to in-office treatments, after whitening has been done, it is advised to avoid eating or drinking for an hour or so. And, as always, heavily dyed beverages should be avoided for a period of time.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are used quite a bit in cosmetic dentistry. They are a versatile treatment option that can be used to address imperfections and abnormalities, as well as to restore teeth that are in bad shape. One purpose that they serve is to cover severe staining that cannot be lifted via teeth whitening treatments. The dentist can color-match the veneers to the other teeth so that one's smile looks consistent and even.

The dental veneer process takes longer as there are multiple appointments involved. First, the veneers are custom-crafted by a lab. Then, they are placed by the dentist in an appointment where the natural tooth is etched so that the veneer sticks.

Ready to get started?

When wanting further information about cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening, it is a good idea to consult directly with a general dentist. An evaluation can be done to determine the most suitable form of treatment, and from there, a plan of action can be put into place. Additionally, the dentist can answer any questions or concerns about what is entailed. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.culvercitydental.com or call Culver City Dental at (310) 272-5405 for an appointment in our Culver City office.

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