How do you feel about your smile? We often meet patients with discoloration, which can lead to embarrassment about a smile’s appearance. In order to remove or mask these stains, we may suggest a cosmetic procedure, such as teeth whitening. Should you whiten your teeth? If so, how often should a person undergo teeth whitening?
How Teeth Whitening Works
We actually have several different options available for brightening your smile. First, we can perform an in-office procedure that uses a powerful bleaching gel, activated using a curing light, to remove stains. For the most dramatic results, we can send you home with a set of custom-made trays and powerful bleaching gel. You simply wear the trays each day for between a half-hour and 45 minutes over the course of one to two weeks. If worn as recommended, you can often see whitening by multiple shades. We can also provide a non-custom whitening strip to remove stains as well.
How Often Should I Whiten?
If you feel that your teeth require cosmetic treatment, then let us know. But know that our teeth will always darken over time, although preventive care can help stretch out the time between these periods. You may want to whiten your teeth every six to eight months, or you may be able to go years without requiring cosmetic treatments, this is a personal decision. With the trays and gel, know that you can keep the trays and any unused gel or future touch-ups.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
How do you help your new results last? Well, make sure you’re brushing and flossing daily as recommended by the dentist, Also, try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as well as beverages with dark pigments, such as coffee, tea, or soda. We also suggest having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to remove any plaque buildup, a major cause of discoloration (and also gum disease and tooth decay).
Do You Want a Brighter Smile?
Dr. Lawson and our team can brighten smiles with professional teeth whitening! We can also discuss routine care to help you maintain optimal oral health for years to come. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
