Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by as many as 5 to 10 shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening procedures have become some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country, including. Professional teeth whitening services can be performed in an office setting or prescribed for take-home use by a patient. In comparison to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents that deliver faster and more effective results.
A radiant smile can speak volumes, and the brightness of our teeth plays a pivotal role in that. Over time, our teeth can lose their natural sheen due to various factors. At Sisko Dentistry in Tallmadge, OH, we specialize in bringing back that radiant glow to your smile through professional teeth whitening services.
Did you know…
that the teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile. However, it is possible to erase years of stains in a single professional whitening session and sustain those results for many years with proper maintenance. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening is best maintained by a combination of good oral care and take-home whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Teeth Whitening
- Persistent external stains despite regular brushing.
- Discoloration following certain medications or medical treatments.
- Aging-related discoloration where teeth darken or turn gray.
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development) leading to white streaks or specks on the teeth.
- Post-braces discoloration, where brackets may leave uneven shades.
- Translucent or see-through edges on the front teeth, often due to enamel thinning.
- Stains caused by foods with strong pigmentation, like berries or curry.
- A desire for a brighter smile before a significant event or for improved self-confidence.
Discover If Your Smile Can Benefit From Teeth Whitening
When you look at your smile, are you happy with what you see? Do you frequently wonder why your teeth aren’t a clean, sparkling white? Does the color of your smile keep you from smiling freely and proudly? Then you may be among the millions who discover they can benefit from gentle and effective professional teeth whitening services.
Some signs that you could benefit from these treatments include:
- Streaking Or Dark Spots
- Discoloration
- Yellow or Brown Stains
Tooth discoloration comes in two categories, extrinsic and internal. Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the surface of the teeth, typically within the enamel. These stains are typically protein-based and can benefit from basic dental whitening services. These treatments use peroxide-based solutions that break up the proteins that cause the stains, leaving your teeth lighter. While over-the-counter options are available for this form of whitening, they may need to be more powerful to produce results on stubborn stains. Professional whitening services use powerful peroxide solutions that can address more resilient staining. However, they require the oversight of a dental specialist like Dr. Gerald Sisko to ensure the process doesn’t damage your enamel.
Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth itself, typically in the pulp or dentin of the tooth. These can occur due to aging, disease, medication, or tooth death. This kind of staining requires more advanced methods of whitening that can only be performed by professionals like those on the team at Sisko Dentistry. We’re dedicated to providing safe and effective methods of lightening the shade of your teeth to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile for our patients.
Why Opt for Teeth Whitening?
- Boosted Self-confidence: A brighter smile can significantly uplift self-esteem, allowing you to laugh, talk, and socialize more confidently.
- Special Occasions: Events like weddings, interviews, or reunions often motivate people to want a more dazzling smile to make lasting impressions.
- Reverse Years of Staining: Daily habits can lead to teeth staining. Professional whitening can counteract years of discoloration, offering a fresher, youthful appearance.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Process
- Consultation: A preliminary check-up by our doctor determines the type and extent of staining, ensuring you’re a good candidate for the process.
- Cleaning: Before the whitening process begins, professional cleaning removes any plaque or debris on the teeth’s surface.
- Whitening: A high-quality whitening agent is applied to the teeth, which, under controlled conditions, breaks down discolorations and stains.
Guidelines for Prolonged Whitening Effects
To ensure that the dazzling effects of teeth whitening last longer, there are several measures one can adopt. First and foremost, limiting the consumption of staining agents such as coffee, tea, and red wine is beneficial. Alongside this, practicing consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, will also aid in maintaining that bright smile.
Incorporating whitening toothpaste into your routine, perhaps once a week, can further sustain the results. Additionally, scheduling and attending regular dental check-ups play a pivotal role in ensuring not just the brilliance of your teeth but optimal oral health overall.
Outlook After Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a secure and trusted procedure, delivering instantaneous and noticeable results. By committing to diligent care, the effects of this treatment can remain prominent for an extended period. Nevertheless, factors like the natural progression of aging, combined with the consumption of certain foods and specific habits, may lead to the return of stains over time.
To counteract this, regular touch-ups are highly recommended. Additionally, adhering to post-whitening guidelines, as suggested by our doctor, can substantially aid in retaining the brilliance of your smile for prolonged intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the teeth whitening process take at Sisko Dentistry?
While the duration can vary based on the individual’s teeth condition and desired shade, a typical session can last between 30 minutes and an hour.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening offers long-lasting results, but not permanent. Regular touch-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene can prolong the bright appearance. Factors like diet and certain habits can reintroduce staining over time.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with a dentist to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
What Should I Expect When I Get My Teeth Whitened?
Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Your dentist will then protect your gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.
What Type of Post-Treatment Care is Required After Having My Teeth Whitened?
It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.
Brighter Smile Awaits with Sisko Dentistry Today
There’s a certain joy in flashing a white, bright smile. If you’re considering taking a step towards a more radiant you, don’t hesitate. Reach out to us at Sisko Dentistry for a comprehensive consultation. Let’s embark on this journey towards a sparkling smile together. Please call us at (330) 633-9510 to schedule your visit. Your dazzling smile is just a call away!