Hi, I'm Brenda. I'm one of the hygienists here at Bailey Dental Group, and I am going to go over some common questions about whitening.
What is teeth whitening and how does it work to brighten teeth?
Teeth whitening actually happens inside the tooth. It's a chemical reaction that happens, and that is how you whiten your teeth.
Are at-home teeth whitening options as effective as professional treatments?
For whitening, we have a few options. We have in-office options for whitening, which you would come in and spend some time with us, and then you leave white. Or we have options where you can take home the whitening product and do it at home. Both are effective; the at-home option just takes a little bit longer to get the same results.
What is the best at-home teeth whitening method?
At-home teeth whitening really depends on each person individually, and we have options for everyone to get the best results with whitening.
How effective are natural teeth whitening remedies like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide?
Natural teeth whitening remedies are not as effective as professional whitening products. For whitening to be effective, it has to sit on the tooth, and natural at-home products don't work that way.
What is the best home teeth whitening kit or product?
The best at-home whitening products that we offer include our GLO, which is a light and heat-activated whitening that you can use at home, or we also have GO, which is Opalescence products that are pre-filled trays. They both work great for at-home care.
What should I look for in a top-rated at-home teeth whitening kit?
What you should look for in an at-home whitening kit really depends on your teeth and the type of whitening products that are in it.
How often can I safely whiten my teeth at home?
You can safely whiten your teeth at home, usually once a month. There are multiple products, so some are different than others, but generally speaking, once a month you can safely whiten your teeth.
Is it possible to whiten teeth at home in just two minutes?
It is not possible to whiten your teeth in as little as 2 minutes, but we do have products that take only 15 minutes to whiten your teeth at home.
What are the benefits of using home teeth whitening gels over home remedies?
The benefits of using home whitening gel versus the more natural options are that you get much better results with the professional whitening used at home.
Are homemade teeth whitening solutions effective for long-term results?
Homemade teeth whitening solutions like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are not effective for whitening. You need to use professional whitening for long-term whitening results.
What should I avoid when using teeth whitening products at home?
Some things that you should consider avoiding when you're whitening at home are coffee, tea, red wine, and blueberries—anything that will stain your teeth or stain products.
How do I know if at-home teeth whitening is suitable for me?
At-home teeth whitening is suitable for almost everybody. It is a great way to brighten your smile and give you a more youthful appearance. If you have never tried whitening, it would be a great option for you.
How can I maintain white teeth after at-home whitening?
Once you whiten your teeth, it is something that you will have to maintain for a lifetime, but it is super easy. Generally, every once a month we whiten, or even every six months, just depending on the product that you choose.
Are there any risks associated with using homemade teeth whitening solutions?
Homemade teeth whitening solutions do have some risks associated with them. Baking soda can be highly abrasive, so if you have any root surfaces, it can cause more sensitivity, and hydrogen peroxide can cause sensitivity as well.
Can at-home teeth whitening kits damage enamel if overused?
At-home professional whitening kits do not damage the tooth structure and do not remove any enamel from the tooth.
I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions about teeth whitening, and if you're ready to take action, please call. If you have any other questions or are interested in any of our whitening, please give the office a call. I would love to talk to you here at Bailey Dental Group. Our phone number is (586) 800-2250.
Widespread tooth discoloration can result from long-term exposure to staining agents such as red wine, coffee, and cigarette smoke. Professional whitening can lift tooth stains and make your teeth appear whiter and brighter in less than one hour. Find out how we can enhance your smile with Zoom teeth whitening at Bailey Dental Group in Richmond, MI.
Benefits of Teeth whitening
Dramatic Results
We use the Zoom whitening product because it whitens patients' teeth by an average of eight shades in one appointment session. Patients leave our office with a noticeably improved smile.
Quick Treatment
Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter whitening products take weeks or months to achieve minimal results. With Zoom, you can achieve transformative results in just one hour.
Lower Cost
Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers and Invisalign, professional teeth whitening with Zoom is an incredibly inexpensive smile makeover solution.
How does Zoom Teeth whitening work?
Because the Zoom tooth whitening gel contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it is important to protect the gums with a barrier or custom tray throughout the treatment process. This prevents gum irritation and sensitivity for patients at our Richmond dental office.
Zoom Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
| Zoom Whitening | Store-Bought Products | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Peroxide: | 25% | 3% |
| Treatment Length: | One Hour | Several Weeks |
| Dentist Supervision: | Yes | No |
Contact Our Dental Practice
To Experience a More Brilliant Smile
Our dentists, Cynthia Bailey and Tess Marie Finley, provide a range of orthodontic, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and general dentistry services at our practice. Dr. Bailey opened the practice in 1984 and her daughter, Dr. Finley, joined the practice in 2019. Together, they are committed to providing the local community with excellent dental care.
To find out if tooth whitening is right for you, schedule an appointment with our dentists. Contact our dentistry practice online or call us in Richmond, MI, at (586) 800-2250.
The in-office Zoom whitening treatment process:
The entire treatment process takes about one hour, making this one of the quickest and most cost effective treatments available.
1. Consultation
During a consultation at our Richmond, MI, practice, one of our dentists can determine if in-office teeth whitening is the right treatment for your needs. Patients with significant tooth sensitivity or deep dental stains may be better candidates for an alternative treatment.
2. Barrier Placement
When you come in for your tooth whitening procedure, we will prepare you for treatment by placing a barrier that protects the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips and gums.
3. Gel Application
Next, the hydrogen peroxide-based gel is evenly applied to each tooth, along with the crevices between each tooth. The gel will penetrate the enamel and remove stains from the surface of the teeth.
4. Light Activation
For the next 15 minutes, the LED light will be directed at the teeth so it can activate the gel and accelerate the whitening treatment process. During this time, you can check your phone or read magazines to relax.
5. Repeat
We will remove the gel from your teeth, and then repeat this treatment process two more times to achieve the best results.
Post-whitening Instructions
Our team in Richmond recommends that patients take extra precautions for the first couple of days after treatment to prevent stains and achieve the best possible results.
No Smoking
Don't smoke for at least two hours after the procedure. If possible, wait at least 48 hours. To maintain your results, it's best to quit for good.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
For the first 48 hours after your appointment, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks that can stain the enamel, such as red wine, coffee, soda, and soy sauce.
Brush with Sensitive-Formula Toothpaste
Since you may experience tooth sensitivity, brush with a sensitive-formula toothpaste so you feel more comfortable when brushing in the days after treatment.
How can I maintain my whiter teeth?
Long-term Care:
Zoom Take-Home Kit
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Avoid Stain-Causing Products
To maintain whiter teeth at home, we will send you home with the Zoom at-home whitening kit. This allows you to perform touch-up treatments as needed so you can continue to feel more confident about the appearance of your smile.
Certain drinks such as red wine, coffee, dark teas, and dark sodas can stain the enamel over time. Reduce consumption of these beverages or rinse the mouth out with water after drinking. In addition, avoid smoking to prevent discoloration.
Practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day with a regular or whitening toothpaste. Floss daily to keep the areas between your teeth clean. Finally, attend exams and cleanings at our Richmond, MI, practice twice a year.
Teeth whitening side effects:
While discomfort can be frustrating after any procedure, keep in mind that these side effects are temporary and will subside within a few days.
Sensitivity
Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days after the teeth whitening procedure. This is because the whitening gel temporarily opens up the pores in the tooth enamel, exposing the more sensitive interior structures of the tooth. After a few days, the pores will close and tooth sensitivity will subside. In the meantime, we recommend avoiding extremely hot, cold, crunchy, or chewy foods to reduce discomfort in the days after treatment.
Gum Irritation
The risk of gum irritation is greatly reduced when patients undergo whitening treatment with a dentist. Because we place a barrier, we prevent the gel from coming into contact with the soft tissues of the mouth. That said, it is inevitable that a small amount of gel will touch the gum line. As a result, patients may experience slight gum irritation for a few days after treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can reduce discomfort.