A bright, white smile can significantly enhance confidence and overall appearance. Professional teeth whitening, offered at Flower Mound Dental, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure among our patients.
Completing this treatment by a dental professional offers significantly more benefits than any over-the-counter whitening product. Thanks to many advances in dental technology, our dental practice can offer both in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Many different things can cause tooth discoloration, including the natural aging process. We use our teeth daily, so they take on a lot of wear and tear. The bright white outer layer of tooth enamel thins over time, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer. Genetics can also play a part. Some people are genetically likely to have thicker dentin levels or teeth that aren’t as bright white as others.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of discoloration. When you neglect oral healthcare, bacteria and food particles accumulate, forming plaque and tarter. Not only does this look yellow or brown when it’s on your teeth, but it also leaves stains that are that color. Smoking or using tobacco leaves the same kind of staining. Chemicals like nicotine and tar present in tobacco products stain more and more with longer use.
Certain foods and drinks contain tannins, which stain your teeth as you continue using them. This includes red wine, coffee, berries, dark soda, and tea. The more you consume these things, the darker the staining becomes. Certain medications, especially during tooth development, can cause deep staining in the teeth that’s hard to remove.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The most obvious benefit of teeth whitening is the improvement in the appearance of teeth. Whiter teeth create a youthful, vibrant smile that boosts self-confidence and leaves a lasting impression.
- Boosted Confidence: A brighter smile often leads to increased confidence. People tend to smile more freely and feel more self-assured when proud of their teeth, positively impacting personal and professional interactions.
- Minimally Invasive: Professional teeth whitening procedures are non-invasive and do not require altering the natural structure of the teeth. Unlike some cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening preserves the integrity of the tooth enamel.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
While over-the-counter whitening products are widely available, they often lack the strength and effectiveness of professional treatments. Professional teeth whitening offers several advantages over store-bought products:
- Strength and Effectiveness: Store-bought products typically contain a lower concentration of the main ingredient in the whitening agent, making them less effective than professional treatments. Professional whitening products have higher concentrations and are thus more potent.
- Customization: Our dentists can customize your professional teeth whitening treatment to meet your needs. This will ensure that your specific concerns are addressed. Store-bought products are one-size-fits-all and may not provide the desired results.
- Safety: Dentists can monitor the patient throughout the whitening process, ensuring that the gums and oral tissues are protected. Dental professionals can adjust the strength of the whitening agents according to the patient’s needs, ensuring optimal results without causing harm. You take a risk using store-bought products incorrectly, possibly leading to gum sensitivity and uneven results.
- Treatment Time: Over-the-counter products usually have a longer treatment time. To achieve comparable results, it will require a lot of time and patience, possibly buying the product multiple times. This makes professional whitening a quicker and more convenient treatment option.
About Zoom Teeth Whitening
Zoom teeth whitening is an advanced in-office whitening procedure that offers remarkable results in a single session. The process involves the following steps:
- Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with one of our Flower Mound dentists. They will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if Zoom whitening is right for you.
- Preparation: Your dentist will apply a protective barrier to protect your lips and gums.
- Zoom Whitening Gel: Your dentist will apply the special Zoom whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. It contains a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the main whitening ingredient. This gel works by breaking down stains and discolorations.
- Zoom Light Activation: The Zoom light is positioned over your teeth. This light activates the gel, accelerating the whitening process. It helps to penetrate the enamel and dentin layers to break down and remove stains.
- Repeat the Process: This same process is then repeated in 15-minute intervals. The entire treatment typically lasts for about an hour. Your dentist will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
- Post-Treatment Care: We may apply a fluoride treatment to reduce sensitivity after the procedure. You’ll leave the office with a significantly brighter smile. Usually, you can expect a smile 8 shades whiter.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Take-home whitening kits, provided by Flower Mound Dental, offer a convenient and effective way to whiten your teeth in the comforts of your own home. The process involves:
- Impressions: Your dentist will create custom trays based on impressions of your teeth. These trays ensure an even application of the whitening gel.
- Whitening Gel: You’ll receive a supply of professional-grade whitening gel along with the custom trays. Fill the trays with the gel as we instruct you.
- Wear Time: The trays should be worn for a specified period each day, usually a few hours or overnight, depending on the product’s concentration.
- Results: Your teeth will gradually whiten over several weeks. The advantage of take-home kits is that you have more control over the level of whitening and can stop when you achieve your desired results.
What If My Teeth Cannot Be Whitened?
Sometimes, teeth may not respond to professional teeth whitening methods due to intrinsic stains, dental trauma, or certain medications. Our dental team may recommend an alternative cosmetic dentistry treatment in these situations. Your options may include:
- Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They mask discoloration and improve the overall appearance of the smile. To learn more about the benefits of dental veneers, see Porcelain Veneers.
- Crowns, or caps, can cover severely discolored or damaged teeth, restoring aesthetics and function. To learn more about the dental crown process, see Dental Crowns.
- Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth’s surface and shaping it to improve its appearance, effectively covering stains and discoloration. To learn more about the tooth bonding process, see Teeth Bonding.
Schedule an Appointment for Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
Professional teeth whitening offers a safe, customized, and effective way to brighten your smile. To see if this cosmetic dentistry treatment will work for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon Hooper, Dr. William Jennings, or Dr. Adam Bellingham for teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX. You can reach our dental practice at 972-640-7891 or fill out the online form to request an appointment.