Many people are interested in brightening their smiles these days and why not? Due to many advancements in dental treatments and technology, it’s never been easier. Teeth whitening is a straightforward process that involves eliminating stains from your smile. This can be done in a professional setting by a dentist near you, or you can do it on your own.
To learn more about teeth whitening in Edina, contact our local dental clinic today!
Teeth Whitening
Our teeth can become darkened or stained due to several different things, the most popular reasons being the following:
- Consuming foods and drinks that leave behind residue. Strawberries, soy sauce, coffee, wine, and tea are just
a few examples. - Certain medications.
- Smoking.
- Genetics.
- Aging.
- Oral infection or tooth decay.
Fortunately, you can go about whitening your smile in one of two ways: by booking an appointment to have it done by a dentist in Edina or through do-it-yourself methods.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can be done in a single visit and should take no more than an hour or so to complete. Before you commit to any treatment, it’s a wise idea to book a consultation with your dentist. They’ll be able to let you know if you are an ideal candidate for this process. They’ll also be able to address any queries you may have.
When you come in for your visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and take some dental X-rays, too, in order to develop an in-depth image of your oral health. Next, they’ll clean your teeth before applying the whitening gel. This is a special substance that can be made from either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals are able to penetrate beneath the surface of your enamel and dentin and remove deep stains.
More specifically, the solutions that dentists use have a higher concentration of bleach, meaning that your teeth will appear whiter for longer, perhaps up to a year, if you prioritize your oral hygiene.
A UV light is employed to activate the whitening process. Once the gel has sat on your teeth for a period of time, it’ll be wiped off and reapplied. This is done until your desired shade of white is achieved.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Although the results of in-office teeth whitening are achieved quicker and last longer, it can be more costly. With that said, there are some reliable methods you can do in the comfort of your own home. The most popular of which include the following:
- Using whitening toothpaste, strips, and mouthwashes.
- Brushing with charcoal.
- Brushing with baking soda.
- Rubbing lemon peels on your teeth.
- Oil swishing.
- Avoid food and drinks that leave behind stains, like berries and coffee.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day! This is arguably the simplest, most effective way to keep your smile healthy and make it sparkle.
- More and more dental clinics offer pre-packaged take-home kits as well. This involves administering a small quantity of the whitening agent into a tray that you slip over your top and bottom row of teeth.
Keep in mind that it can take a couple of weeks until you start to see results.
Are you interested in receiving convenient teeth whitening near you? You deserve to love your smile, and at 44th Street Dental, we want to help you with that! Our staff is here to assist you with all your needs and guide you through each stage of the treatment. Call, come in, or visit our website to schedule an appointment and get started today!