Nothing can transform your smile as quickly and efficiently as professional teeth whitening from a dentist. Your smile is a valuable asset, and you should be proud to show it off. If however, you are ashamed of dental stains, give Dr. Abir Faraj at Novi Family Dentistry a call today. She can provide quick and efficient ways to give your smile a boost and produce the results you seek.
Why Does My Smile Look Dull?
Over time your teeth will lose their luster for many reasons. Even those patients who diligently brush and floss often suffer from discoloration. Generally there are two types of stains: extrinsic (pigmented deposits on the tooth surface) and intrinsic (stains incorporated in the tooth structure).
Common Causes of Tooth Staining
Fluorosis
Genetics
Dental trauma
Age, wear and erosion
Buildup of plaque or calculus
Certain diseases or antibiotics
Highly pigmented foods and beverages
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Despite the fact that teeth whitening is a safe and simple treatment, it is not meant for everyone. The dentist will not recommend professional teeth whitening for patients under the age of 16, those who suffer from hypersensitivity or pregnant women. Also, those with gum disease or dental decay need to receive treatment for their oral health issues before considering teeth whitening. Lastly, some stains, especially intrinsic stains, cannot be treated with teeth whitening. Instead, the dentist will recommend veneers or bonding to correct discoloration. If you have concerns about the procedure or want to know if whitening will work for you, talk with Dr. Faraj. She will recommend an evaluation and find the treatments that are right for your unique needs.
Types of Teeth Whitening
In-Office Teeth Whitening
This treatment works when you need to brighten your smile quickly for an event or are just looking for an immediate confidence boost. The dentist will carefully apply the whitening agent to your teeth and activate the bleaching properties with a special light. The gel penetrates the enamel and breaks up stains, all while you sit back and relax. After about one hour, the treatment is completed, and you can be on your way with a smile eight to 10 shades lighter than when you entered.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
This treatment is especially appealing to patients who want to whiten their smile on their own time and in the privacy of their own home. Dr. Faraj will take impressions of your teeth and create custom fitted trays for you to wear while whitening. She will prepare fixed concentrations of the whitening agent you will apply to your teeth and wear with your trays. Because each patient has unique needs, Dr. Faraj will give you specific instructions for how long and how often you should wear your whitening trays.
Choosing Novi Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening
Many dental patients think that when it comes to brightening their smile, whiter is better. The truth is, many people take teeth whitening too far, which is why you should rely on a dentist for treatment. Realistically, your teeth should be similar to or just beyond the white shade of your eyes. With Dr. Faraj monitoring your treatments, the concentration of peroxide will never go beyond the mark of safety and neither will the whiteness of your smile. She guarantees the most natural-looking whiteness to enhance the brightness of your smile.
How Do I Maintain a Bright White Smile?
Once you have completed treatment you will want to keep your smile looking great. Immediately after treatments, you should avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages known to stain teeth. Later, if you do eat something highly pigmented, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth immediately following eating or drinking to reduce the risk of discoloration. You also should avoid smoking, brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. You can ask Dr. Faraj about touch-up treatments you can take home to use a few months after your treatment.
Professional teeth whitening treatments work well on persistent extrinsic stains. They will help improve the look of your smile and boost your self confidence. If you are looking for a naturally bright, younger looking smile, then Novi Family Dentistry is the right place. Contact us with any questions you may have, including teeth whitening costs, or to an appointment at (248) 946-8611.