Teeth Whitening – Rockwall, TX

Does teeth whitening damage your enamel?

Contrary to many rumors, teeth whitening doesn’t damage enamel when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and on the ideal candidate. Overusing whitening treatments, including OTC products, can harm your smile. It’s best to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before using any whitening products. Your dentist will create a personalized plan to safely whiten your teeth. It’s important to space out your whitening treatments to prevent damaging your smile.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening has a bad reputation for causing sensitivity, but this is untrue. Whitening agents are specially formulated to minimize any discomfort. Not to mention, your dentist can cater the treatment to your comfort level if you’re prone to any sensitivity. They may also recommend using toothpaste for sensitive teeth to prevent any discomfort. It is best to avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours. You can help prevent sensitivity by ensuring you don’t have any untreated dental problems and not overusing whitening products.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Every situation differs, but most patients can expect their results to last for a few months to several years with the right maintenance. You can get the most from your investment by committing to a solid oral hygiene routine at home. Brush, floss, and use a daily mouthwash to keep your teeth clean. It’s best to limit your contact with stain-causing foods and drinks, like coffee, berries, or red wine. If you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee, drink it through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished. Your dentist will recommend not smoking to prevent tar and nicotine stains. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. If your results begin to fade, they can provide you with a touchup kit to maintain your stunning smile.

Why is my dental health important?

Although you might be concerned about aesthetic issues, your cosmetic dentist in Rockwall will focus on your dental health. Whitening agents can aggravate any untreated dental problems, like tooth decay or gum disease. While a whitening treatment may make your teeth look better, any unresolved oral health issues will remain, which can lead to a dental emergency. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy during your consultation. If they find any concerns. They must be addressed before moving forward with any elective procedures. It may add more steps to your treatment, but it is time well spent to achieve the healthy, attractive smile you deserve.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

If you are unhappy with your smile due to conspicuous dental stains and discoloration, you can probably be an excellent candidate for teeth whitening treatment from Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall. However, the only way to know for sure if you can qualify for this treatment is to schedule a consultation at our office. During this meeting, Dr. Spillman or Nguyen will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and medical history to make sure you can receive the treatment safely and effectively. While oral infections like cavities and gum disease will disqualify you from teeth whitening treatment, we can address these issues with restorative work and periodontal therapy if necessary so you can become an excellent candidate later. Once your teeth and gums are healthy enough, we’ll be happy to schedule you for teeth whitening treatment.

How long does teeth whitening take?

Professional teeth whitening treatments deliver amazing results that are far superior to those of store-bought whitening products, and they do so in brief timeframes that are incredibly convenient for those who wish to present their ideal smiles at upcoming special events like weddings and graduations. An in-office teeth whitening treatment at our Rockwall office can lift stubborn stains and leave a smile up to eight shades whiter in about an hour, and our take-home whitening kits can deliver similar results in about two weeks. However, some patients with severe discoloration may require multiple treatments to achieve their desired results, and these procedures can be safely readministered as needed.

Does teeth whitening work on dental crowns?

Dental crowns are made from nonporous metal and ceramic materials that cannot be affected by the bleaching agents used in our whitening treatments. Teeth whitening cannot be used to brighten dental crowns, and the procedure may even weaken the restorations by eroding the cement holding them in place. If you have or need dental crowns and wish to receive teeth whitening, it may be best to brighten your smile before receiving or replacing your restorations so they can be shaded to match the new color of your teeth. You can also prevent dental crowns from developing stains by limiting your intake of discoloring foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, candy, and dark sauces, enjoying acidic items like soda, juice, and hot sauce in moderation, and kicking bad oral habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.