What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening removes stains from your teeth. It’s a quick and pain-free cosmetic procedure that provides instant results.
If you have discolored teeth and they don’t respond to at-home treatments like whitening toothpaste, consider in-office chairside whitening at Jeffrey Busch, DDS.
Why do teeth change color?
Teeth change color for various reasons, including:
- The natural aging process
- Tobacco use
- Drinking beverages like coffee and black tea
- Eating certain foods, like berries, tomato-based sauces, or curries
- Taking medication with tetracycline
In some cases, teeth change color because of general wear-and-tear. Over the years, activities like biting and chewing cause your enamel to weaken, making the yellow dentin beneath increasingly visible.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening uses medical-grade solutions like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to eliminate stains. Peroxide-based gels are unique in that they oxidize the molecules in your tooth enamel. That oxidation process eliminates discoloration, making your teeth appear brighter.
What does teeth whitening involve?
At Jeffrey Busch, DDS, teeth whitening treatment occurs on an outpatient basis.
At the beginning of the appointment, your provider covers your gums and tongue with a protective dam. Then, they carefully apply the Philips Zoom! teeth whitening solution to the outer layer of your enamel. After the solution sits for a while, your provider points a blue light at your smile.
The light triggers a whitening reaction that cuts through stains and discoloration. To ensure you achieve the optimal outcome, your provider repeats these same steps several times to eradicate every stain.
What is recovery like after teeth whitening?
After your teeth whitening appointment, you can return to work and other routine activities right away. It’s normal to experience some tooth sensitivity, but that should subside quickly. If your symptoms persist, contact your provider or use a desensitizing toothpaste.
Do the results of teeth whitening last for a long time?
The results of teeth whitening treatment typically last several months. That said, you may be able to extend them by:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing regularly
- Visiting Jeffrey Busch, DDS, every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning
- Drinking dark beverages through a straw
- Quitting tobacco use
If you want a brighter and whiter smile, request a teeth whitening consultation at the practice of Jeffrey Busch, DDS, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
*Individual results may vary.
