TEETH WHITENING

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures out there. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure that restores your teeth to their natural color. It removes stains and discoloration from your teeth, giving you a confident, beautiful smile.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration?

There are many things that can cause your teeth to become discolored, including:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Drinking coffee, tea, wine, or soda
• Eating pigmented foods, like berries and dark sauces
• Certain medications
• Aging
• Genetics
• Trauma to the tooth
• Yellowing due to fluorosis 

Types of Teeth Whitening

Patients who want to whiten their teeth have plenty of options available to them, from in-office treatments to take-home kits. However, these options aren’t always equal in terms of effectiveness and safety, especially once you consider the ingredients used and the strength of the bleaching agent.

In-office teeth whitening treatments use a light to activate whitening gels or plasma arc lights that penetrate the enamel. If you don’t have time to visit our office for an in-office appointment, our take-home whitening kit is a great option for you. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom-fit mouth tray for you to wear with the bleaching agent at home. A custom-fitted mouthpiece can limit the contact that the bleaching agent has with your teeth and gums, helping to reduce sensitivity. 

At-home teeth whitening kits include whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, etc., that are generally less concentrated and take longer to work. They may not lighten your teeth as quickly or effectively as an in-office treatment, though some patients find them more comfortable. These kits also tend to be cheaper, making them a good option for patients on a budget.

Explain In-Office Teeth Whitening Process

During your appointment for teeth whitening, your dentist will apply a whitening agent to the surfaces of your teeth. Since the active ingredient in the gel is oxygen, it penetrates the surface of the tooth to break down any stains that have accumulated there. At the same time, the gel will help to break up the compounds that stain your teeth in the first place. After the bleaching agent has done its job, the light will be used to intensify the process and give your smile an instant lift. In most cases, you are able to leave the office immediately after your treatment is complete. The results are immediate and long-lasting. Afterward, you can opt to repeat the process as needed to maintain your results.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (913) 649-0310 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 5000 W. 95th Street, Suite 300, Prairie Village, KS 66207.