Does teeth whitening cause sensitive teeth?
One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, be sure to let us know. We can adjust the strength of the whitening gel to be gentler when necessary. It can also help to use a sensitivity toothpaste leading up to your treatment and for a week or two afterward.
Will whitening weaken my teeth?
No. Teeth whitening gel does not weaken tooth enamel. That being said, it’s important to make sure your teeth are completely healthy before you start to bleach them.
Can I whiten dental fillings, crowns, or bridgework?
Tooth-colored restorations made out of resin, ceramic, and porcelain do not change colors when exposed to whitening gels. While some of the surface stains from food can be polished away or lighten when gel is applied, the crown or filling itself won’t change color. If you’re planning to have any of your dental work updated in the future, it’s best to go ahead and whiten your teeth first. That way the new restorations can be matched to the brighter color of your smile.
Can I whiten my teeth if I’m pregnant?
You’ll get a lot of mixed opinions when it comes to whitening your teeth while pregnant. Some experts only recommend in-office whitening so that you can be sure none of the gel is ingested. Others will say if you’re using at-home products to wait until the second trimester. When in doubt, always be sure to speak to your obstetrician to get their opinion. The safest option is to just go ahead and wait until after you’ve had the baby and are no longer breastfeeding to whiten your teeth.
How long does it take to whiten teeth?
We have two different types of whitening treatments and each one works differently. One provides same-day results in a little over an hour. The other offers similar whitening results but requires once-a-day sessions for about 10-14 days.
Is it more expensive to whiten my teeth at the dentist’s office?
You might initially think that it’s more expensive to whiten your teeth at your dentist’s office, but it really isn’t. Take for instance the cost of whitening trays in Mesa. When you wear them as directed and occasionally touch up when you need to, you’re spending less money on your treatment than you would purchasing an over-the-counter whitening system every time you needed it. You can keep your trays for years!
Which type of teeth whitening treatment is fastest?
Same-day teeth whitening offers immediate results without any home-based treatments. Our patients typically see about 8 shades of improvement after their appointment. In-office whitening is excellent for anyone who is on a time crunch or has a last-minute important event where they need to look their best.
Will my dental insurance cover teeth whitening treatment?
No. Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic procedure. As such, you’ll want to plan on paying for it out of pocket.
How long will my teeth stay white after treatment?
Your lifestyle and dietary habits typically influence how quickly stain re-builds on your teeth. However, discoloration from aging takes much longer. To keep your smile white, plan routine six-month cleanings and regular whitening touch-ups as needed. Most whitening tray wearers only touch up for a few days every 3-6 months.
Are there any foods I need to avoid after bleaching my teeth?
Yes. Anything that would stain a white t-shirt. Such as dark berries, tomato sauce, curry, red wine, coffee, tea, smoking, etc. Your teeth are highly porous immediately after a whitening treatment, making them more susceptible to new stains in the first several days. It’s important to avoid those items for at least a couple of weeks, if not longer.
Can I buy professional teeth whitening gel online?
Although you might see some of the same brands of whitening gel sold online, you cannot purchase professional-grade solutions from any retailer outside of your clinical dentist’s office. It’s similar to purchasing a prescription medication as opposed to over-the-counter drugs. Commercial gels will be similar but not as highly concentrated (strong).
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Whitening treatments are only for people who have healthy teeth and gums. Applying whitening gel to infected gums or decaying teeth could cause unnecessary discomfort and damage.
Never whiten your teeth without first consulting with a dentist. Call Eastport Dental today to reserve a zero-pressure assessment with Dr. Huynh to make sure your smile is healthy enough for whitening treatment.
