A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and improve your appearance. At Flower Mound Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for our patients.
Getting your teeth whitened by a dental professional has many advantages over store-bought products. With advancements in dental care, we can provide both in-office and take-home whitening options right here in Flower Mound, TX.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Many reasons can cause teeth to lose their brightness, and one of the main ones is age. Over time, the outer layer of enamel wears down, revealing more of the off-white layer underneath. Genetics can also play a role; some people naturally have thicker enamel, while others may have teeth that aren’t as bright.
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of discoloration. When you skip brushing or flossing, food particles and bacteria can build up, leading to plaque and tartar, which look yellow or brown. Tobacco use also leads to staining due to the nicotine and tar in these products.
Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, red wine, tea, and dark sodas, contain staining agents called tannins. Over time, these substances darken your teeth. Some medications, especially those taken during tooth development, can also cause deep stains that are hard to remove.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Better Appearance: Whitening your teeth improves their appearance, giving you a youthful and bright smile that leaves a positive impression.
- Boosted Confidence: People with a whiter smile often feel more confident and are likely to smile more often. This can enhance personal and professional interactions.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, meaning it doesn’t change the natural structure of your teeth. Unlike other treatments, it keeps your enamel intact.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options
While you can find whitening products at the store, professional whitening provides several key benefits:
- Strength and Effectiveness: Store products have a lower concentration of whitening agents, which makes them less effective. Professional treatments use stronger agents, so they work better and faster.
- Personalized Treatment: Our dentists customize your whitening plan to fit your needs, ensuring the best possible results. Store-bought products are one-size-fits-all and might not give you the outcome you want.
- Safety: Our dentists monitor your gums and oral tissues during treatment. We adjust the strength of the whitening agent as needed to protect your mouth. Store products, if not used correctly, can cause gum irritation and uneven results.
- Quick Treatment Time: Over-the-counter products often require longer use to achieve similar results. Professional whitening is a quicker option, giving you a brighter smile in less time.
Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Zoom whitening is a powerful in-office whitening treatment that can give you a dramatically whiter smile in just one visit. Here’s how the process works:
- Consultation: The treatment starts with a consultation to check your teeth and discuss your whitening goals. Your dentist will help decide if Zoom is right for you.
- Preparation: Your dentist will protect your gums and lips with a special barrier to keep them safe during the treatment.
- Whitening Gel: A high-concentration whitening gel, containing hydrogen peroxide, is then applied to your teeth. This gel works to break down stains.
- Light Activation: The dentist positions a special Zoom light over your teeth to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. The light helps the gel reach deep layers of your teeth to remove stains.
- Repeat Steps: The process is repeated in 15-minute intervals for about an hour. The dentist will check progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the session, we may apply fluoride to reduce any sensitivity. You’ll leave with a noticeably brighter smile, often up to 8 shades whiter.
With the Zoom whitening treatment at Flower Mound Dental, you can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile after just one visit!
Take-Home Whitening Kits
At Flower Mound Dental, our take-home whitening kits let you brighten your smile at home. Here’s how the process works:
- Custom Trays: Your dentist will make custom trays by taking molds of your teeth. These trays fit perfectly, helping spread the whitening gel evenly across your teeth.
- Whitening Gel: You’ll get a supply of professional whitening gel. Just follow the instructions to fill the trays with the gel.
- Wear Time: Wear the trays for a set time each day, often a few hours or overnight, depending on the gel’s strength.
- Results: Your teeth will whiten gradually over a few weeks. With take-home kits, you control the level of whitening and can stop once you reach your goal.
What If My Teeth Don’t Whiten?
Sometimes, teeth may not respond well to whitening. This could be due to deep stains, injuries, or some medications. In these cases, we might suggest other cosmetic treatments, like:
- Porcelain Veneers: These are thin shells that cover the front of teeth. They hide stains and improve the look of your smile. Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be a great choice for stubborn discoloration. To learn more about the benefits of dental veneers, see Porcelain Veneers.
- Crowns: Also called caps, crowns cover teeth that are very discolored or damaged, restoring both look and function. To learn more about our dental crown process, see Dental Crowns.
- Dental Bonding: This process adds a tooth-colored resin to the surface of a tooth to cover stains. Bonding can also shape teeth, giving your smile an even look. To learn more about our tooth bonding process, see Teeth Bonding.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. Here are answers to common questions:
Should I Clean My Teeth Before Whitening?
Yes, it’s best to schedule your whitening right after a cleaning at our office. Clean teeth allow the whitening gel to reach the tooth surface more effectively. If plaque or tartar is present, it can block the gel and cause uneven results.
Can Teeth Whitening Harm My Teeth?
No, professional whitening products are safe and won’t damage your teeth. We use trusted brands that reduce sensitivity, so your smile stays safe and comfortable. Some patient may have mild sensitivity after the procedure, but this usually goes away in a few hours to days.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Whitening isn’t usually painful, though you may feel some sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days afterward. If you have any cavities, we treat them first because whitening agents can irritate sensitive areas.
How Long Should I Wait to Eat After Whitening?
You can eat right after whitening, but it’s best to avoid foods and drinks that stain, like coffee, tea, or red wine, for 48 hours. Whitening opens tiny pores in your teeth, which stay open for a short time, making them more prone to staining.
Can You Whiten Too Often?
Yes, it’s possible to overdo whitening. We recommend waiting at least six months between sessions. Whitening too much can cause high sensitivity and may make teeth look unnatural.
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is for adults with a fully developed mouth. We also make sure there are no issues like cavities or gum disease before starting. Dentists do not recommend whitening treatments for children or teens.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
Professional whitening is a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. To see if it’s the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. William Jennings at Flower Mound Dental. Call us at 972-640-7891 or fill out our online form to request an appointment.