Teeth whitening can be a great way to keep your smile looking fresh and youthful. There are several options that can help you make your teeth several shades whiter and bring you more confidence.
Professional teeth whitening usually involves applying a gel made with carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to the teeth by using a custom-built tray. During the first appointment, the dentist will make a cast of your teeth to create the tray. Once it's ready, the gel is applied to the teeth (never the gums) for about an hour at a time. While this can sometimes be done at home, the first few sessions will usually take place in your dentist's office, so that they can help you learn how to apply the gel and use the tray properly. This is done for about three to four weeks and can make your teeth four to five shades whiter.
Laser whitening is also another option for professional teeth whitening. It involves placing a type of mild bleach on the teeth, as well as a protective gel over the gums, and then using a laser to activate the bleach quickly. This can help some people make their teeth up to five shades whiter.
It's important to remember that teeth whitening needs to be combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or red wine, or eat certain foods, you may not see as much of a positive effect from tooth whitening.
While flossing and brushing every day is vital for the health of your teeth and gums, sometimes we need a little professional help to keep our teeth looking as healthy as they feel. Contact Castlebury Dental today to talk to our team about teeth whitening and how we can help your smile get several shades brighter.