If you are considering a professional teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to talk to Dr. Hashemi about which type of teeth whitening treatment is best for you and what type of results to expect. Knowing the right questions will help you get the answers you need to make an informed decision and get a whiter smile safely.
How white can my teeth get?
The degree of whiteness is determined by several factors, including how stained or discolored your teeth are, what caused the discoloration, and the color of the underlying dentin. Stains from coffee, tea, and foods are relatively easy to bleach away. In contrast, stains caused by some medications, including tetracycline, are more difficult to remove. The color of the dentin, the material beneath your tooth enamel, can also affect how white your teeth get. The enamel will appear whiter after bleaching if the dentin is naturally white.
Not everyone looks their best with the brightest, whitest teeth possible. Dr. Hashemi can help you choose a degree of whitening that works well with your skin tone for a naturally vibrant look that doesn’t appear artificial. Your aim should not be the whitest teeth but a whiter smile that still looks natural.
Should I get in-office teeth whitening or use an at-home kit?
This personal choice hinges on your lifestyle and how quickly you need your teeth whitened. We offer two very effective in-office options: Zoom! Whitening and LaserSmile. Both can whiten your teeth by several shades in about an hour. We also offer Zoom! At-home Whitening Kits you can use for two weeks, 3-4 hours a day, for a gentler treatment that slowly whitens over several days.
We do not recommend using drugstore or online teeth whitening kits, as these vary widely in quality and can burn sensitive gum tissue. Our at-home kits are custom-designed to fit your teeth snugly, allowing for more effective whitening without irritating surrounding tissues.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Dr. Hashemi and her dental care team carefully monitor your in-office Zoom! Whitening and LaserSmile Whitening sessions at all times. Because custom bleaching trays are used, very little, if any, bleaching gel touches the gums.
What are the possible side effects of teeth whitening?
Whitening gels temporarily open pores in the enamel so that you may experience some tooth sensitivity for a day or two following treatment, but this goes away with time.
When using drugstore teeth whitening trays that are not custom-fitted, some people may end up with uneven results due to the poor fit of the trays. Some teeth may be whiter than others, a problem that is difficult to correct. For this reason, a consultation with Dr. Hashemi and professional whitening are always your best options.
How long will my teeth whitening treatment last?
It depends on how you care for your newly brightened teeth. Vigilant brushing and flossing are crucial to keeping your newly whitened teeth looking great for years. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, always rinse your mouth with water after drinking to remove the staining compounds. Whenever possible, drink beverages through a straw to minimize exposure.
You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth by periodically using custom-fitted whitening trays at home to touch up your smile. For the average person, touch-ups every year to two years are recommended.
Now is the time to whiten your teeth at Dentismile so you can flash a dazzling smile at those important summer events – graduations, vacations, weddings, etc. Call our office at Dentismile Office Phone Number 647-812-9812 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your teeth whitening options.
