What is Teeth Whitening?
At its core, teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discoloration from the tooth surface. This can be achieved by using various chemical agents, which act upon the tooth enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, to alter the enamel’s light reflection and absorption properties, thereby providing a ‘whiter’ appearance.
Custom-fit or bleach tray mold to fit over your teeth and provide a comfortable fit. Unlike one-size-fits-all trays, custom-fit trays offer a snug, comfortable fit, ensuring the whitening solution remains in constant contact with your teeth while minimizing the amount that may come into contact with your gums.
Who Should Get Teeth Whitening?
Teeth discoloration can be a complex condition influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Understanding the depth of this issue is pivotal in choosing the most effective teeth-whitening approach for your unique situation.
- Food and Beverages: Highly pigmented items like coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits can leave stains.
- Tobacco: Both cigarettes and chewing tobacco contain tar and nicotine, which are notorious for discolorating teeth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and tartar to accumulate, leading to yellowing.
- Aging: With time, the enamel thins, and the underlying dentin – a yellowish tissue – becomes more visible.
- Medications and Illnesses: Some chronic illnesses and medications can cause discoloration.
Types of Teeth Stains
There are two types of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic stains.
- Extrinsic Stains: These affect the outer layer of the tooth and are typically caused by foods, beverages, and lifestyle choices. They often appear yellow or brown and can usually be removed or improved with whitening treatments.
- Intrinsic Stains: Situated within the tooth’s structure, these are usually the result of trauma, aging, or certain medications. They’re more challenging to treat and often appear grayish.
The Teeth Whitening Procedure Process
The journey starts at our dental office in Beaufort, where one of our qualified professionals will take impressions of your teeth. We will use these impressions to create your custom trays, a process that typically takes a few days to complete.
Once you have your custom trays, you’ll receive a professional-strength whitening agent from Dr. Wallace and detailed instructions on how to use it. The regimen prescribed is unique to you, taking into account the severity of discoloration, the sensitivity of your teeth, and your desired level of whitening.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Custom-Fit Trays
To achieve the best results:
- Start with clean teeth. Brush and floss to ensure your teeth are free of debris inhibiting the whitening process.
- Apply a small amount of the whitening gel to the tray. Be sure to use the amount recommended by your dentist.
- Insert the custom-fit tray over your teeth. Press the tray to ensure it settles in properly, and wipe away any excess gel that may come into contact with your gums.
- Wear the tray for the prescribed amount of time. Depending on Dr. Wallace’s instructions, this may range from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Remove the tray and clean it thoroughly. Rinse your mouth with water to remove any lingering gel.
- Store your tray in its case until your next use.
The process is monitored and adjusted per Dr. Wallace’s counsel to ensure safety and efficacy.
Aftercare
- Avoid Staining Substances: Limiting the consumption of staining substances to maintain the whiteness of your teeth is essential.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing smoking, as it can contribute to staining and compromise the longevity of the whitening results.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing at least twice daily. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the tooth enamel.
- Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: If you experience tooth sensitivity after the whitening procedure, consider using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: If Dr. Jennifer Wallace recommends follow-up appointments, attend them to assess the long-term results and address concerns.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Zoom teeth whitening is a popular and effective cosmetic dental procedure designed to brighten and enhance the appearance of teeth. One notable provider of this innovative teeth-whitening technique is Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort, led by the skilled and experienced Dr. Jennifer Wallace. As a trusted dental professional, Dr. Wallace employs the Zoom teeth whitening system to help patients achieve a whiter and brighter smile quickly and safely.
The Zoom teeth whitening process involves the application of a specialized whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide to the teeth. The Zoom light, a proprietary LED lamp, is then used to activate the gel and accelerate the whitening process. This combination of professional-grade whitening agents and advanced technology allows patients to achieve noticeable results in just a single office visit. The procedure is known for its efficiency and ability to lighten teeth by several shades, providing patients with a radiant and confident smile.
Teeth Whitening in Beaufort, SC
A white smile transcends aesthetics, weaving a vitality, confidence, and joy narrative. By embracing the available whitening techniques and coupling them with conscientious aftercare, patients can unlock the potent benefits of a bright smile. Enhancing the shine of one’s teeth is a personal journey, and the decision to pursue teeth whitening is a testimony to one’s commitment to oral health and overall well-being.
If you are curious about teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with our team today to see if it is a cosmetic enhancement for you!
