Teeth whitening can last for up to 3 years with proper maintenance
Dr. Bobbio will examine your teeth to rule out oral health problems and assess the severity of your tooth discoloration.
Based on how sensitive and discolored your teeth are as well as your personal goals, Dr. Bobbio will make a recommendation for which type of whitening is best for you.
We will always protect your soft tissues from being exposed to the whitening agent before applying any chemicals to your teeth. In the office, this is done with a cheek retractor that holds your mouth open and a gel that prevents the peroxide from coming into contact. At home, you will have custom-made trays that prevent the chemicals from running into your gums.
Now, it’s time to apply the whitening agent. We paint this onto your teeth in the office and then expose it to UV light. This is rinsed off after an hour.At home, the whitening agent will be applied to your trays, which you will wear over your teeth.
Once your teeth are whitened, you should maintain your shade by avoiding staining habits like tobacco products and certain foods and drinks. Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months to remove stain and plaque buildup.
A take-home whitening treatment can be carried out from the comfort of your own home. However, you will need to come to the office for a quick appointment first so we can take impressions of your teeth.
This is what the mold of your whitening trays will be based on. Once they have been fabricated by the dental lab that we send them to, you will wear them for the specified amount of time each day for up to 2 weeks. You’ll follow the written instructions on how to apply the whitening treatment and how long to wear it for.
The whitening treatment that is performed in the dental office is more drastic and immediate. However, it is more intense so it is not as suitable for patients with sensitive teeth. The whitening agent is applied to the teeth directly and activated with a UV light.
This is kept on for about an hour before washing it out to reveal the results. We take precautions to protect your gums, lips, and other soft tissues with a cheek retractor and protective gel.
By the end of this appointment, your teeth can be up to 10 shades lighter than what you started with. For most people, this is sufficient but if you have severe discoloration, it may take a few sessions to achieve the desired results.
When teeth are whitened with the use of UV light, this means that UV radiation is being used to activate the ingredients in the whitening agent which are either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
Why UV light? It acts as a catalyst that speeds up the reaction which causes your teeth to whiten faster. UV light cannot whiten your teeth in isolation. It is the active ingredients in the gel that are bleaching your teeth. UV light is just a tool that aids in speeding up the process.
Chemical teeth whitening is the process of whitening teeth with chemical-based products alone. These products are not light-activated, which means they will take longer to produce the same results.
Our take-home treatment is a chemical whitening treatment which is why it takes up to 2 weeks to achieve your final results. The concentration of peroxide is lower than in light-activated treatments.
The longevity of your teeth whitening results will vary by person, depending on the whitening method you choose. The average whitening effect can last as little as 6 months and as long as 3 years. There are some things that can influence the duration your teeth will stay pearly-white, including:
• The type of beverages and foods you consume: Consuming acidic foods and dark-colored drinks like red wine, cola, tea, and coffee can stain your teeth.
• Your oral hygiene routine: Good oral hygiene is essential for your overall dental health and smile. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly, maintain a good diet, and avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
• The type of teeth whitening option you use: If you opt for teeth whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening products, you can expect your effects to last for a few months with the necessary touch-ups. However, if you get your teeth lightened professionally at our dental office in Brambleton, you can expect the results to last up to three years with proper maintenance.
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. However, this experience is temporary and should disappear within the first few days after your procedure. If the sensitivity persists, you should contact us as soon as possible.
If you are considering teeth whitening, there are things you need to know before you do any type of whitening.
• Clean teeth will whiten better. Typically, having clean, healthy teeth and gums is ideal.
• Teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity.
• Dental fillings and restorations like dental implants won't whiten.
• Teeth whitening results vary based on the type of treatment used, the type of teeth you have, and the severity of your stains.
• Professional whitening can last longer.
If you have healthy teeth and gums and desire to enhance the color of your teeth, you can benefit from professional teeth whitening. This procedure has proved effective at eliminating discoloration and stains from teeth.
Most insurance policies won't cover teeth whitening because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, some insurers may cover part of the cost of the treatment if it is considered a medical necessity. It is crucial to check with your insurer to know the extent of your coverage.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening in Brambleton, contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more. You can also call Bobbio Family Dental at Birchwood at (571) 371-0767 to discuss your whitening needs with Dr. Bobbio.
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