Wondering if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening in Lexington, NC? Have questions about the process, or how your teeth will be whitened? In this blog from Carolina Pines Dentistry, we’ll break down all of the details and explain everything you need to know about teeth whitening.
Understanding Common Teeth Whitening Methods
Broadly speaking, teeth whitening methods belong to one of the following two categories.
- Abrasive whitening – This type of whitening uses abrasive particles like baking soda to gently remove surface stains from your teeth, and to remove plaque and tartar buildup. While these can whiten your teeth somewhat, they will not change the color of the enamel. In addition, some types of abrasive toothpaste (like charcoal toothpaste) can damage your enamel, so make sure you choose toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance.
- Chemical whitening – Chemical whitening uses peroxides like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to brighten your teeth. These chemicals contain volatile molecules that break the bonds that hold stains onto your enamel. This “bleaches” your teeth, restoring the natural brightness of your enamel. All professional in-office and take-home whitening treatments fall into this category, though some also involve lasers or UV light, which can help accelerate the whitening process.
Explaining The Teeth Whitening Process
Wondering what to expect when you have your teeth whitened? Here’s a brief overview of the teeth whitening process at Carolina Pines Dentistry.
- Cosmetic consultation – First, you’ll meet with one of our dentists for a cosmetic consultation. They will discuss your oral health, your smile goals, your budget, and other such things. Together, you and your dentist can decide whether or not teeth whitening is right for you.
- Zoom in-office whitening – If you choose in-office whitening, you’ll come back for a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will clean your mouth, apply a protectant to your gums, and use retractors to protect your tongue, cheeks, and lips. Then, they will apply Zoom whitening gel to your teeth, activate it with a UV light, and leave it in place for about five minutes. Then, your dentist will rinse the whitener away and repeat this process until your smile has reached your desired shade.
- Take-home whitening – In take-home whitening, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, then send these to our partner dental lab. This dental lab will build a set of reusable whitening trays that are custom-fitted for your teeth. In a few weeks, you’ll come and pick them up at Carolina Pines Dentistry, along with a set of whitening products and instructions on how to use them. Then, you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. It typically takes 2-3 weeks to see maximum results.
What Would Disqualify Me From Getting Teeth Whitening?
Most people are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, there are a few things that may disqualify you from getting treatment:
- Extremely sensitive teeth – If you have really sensitive teeth, you may not qualify for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening naturally causes some sensitivity, which could cause serious pain and discomfort during the treatment process.
- Very deep teeth stains – Very heavy stains may not be removable with teeth whitening. If you have really deep or internal tooth stains, you may want to explore alternative treatments at Carolina Pines Dentistry, such as dental crowns or veneers.
- An unhealthy mouth – You must have a healthy mouth to get teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry treatment. If you have cavities, gum disease, damaged teeth, or any other major oral health problems, you must have these treated before you can qualify for teeth whitening.
Want A Brighter Smile In Lexington, NC? Come To Carolina Pines Dentistry
At Carolina Pines Dentistry, our team specializes in cosmetic dentistry. If you’re not happy with your smile due to tooth stains or any other cosmetic flaws, we’re here to help, and our dentists are always accepting new patients. Contact us online or give us a call at (336) 248-5057 to schedule an appointment today, and take the first steps toward a brighter smile.
