Teeth Whitening at Kearns Family Dentistry
Keeping your smile bright requires regular care, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling dental cleanings every six months. However, even with a diligent routine, teeth can lose their shine over time.
While age and genetics play a role in tooth discoloration, your daily habits, such as diet and hygiene, are key contributors. Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking, are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to stained or discolored teeth.
If you’re looking to restore your pearly whites, talking to Kearns Family Dentistry about professional teeth whitening is a great first step. If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions without success, professional treatments—either in-office or take-home—can offer better and longer-lasting results.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest ways to improve your smile. Over time, teeth naturally become discolored due to aging, genetics, certain foods, and smoking. Whitening works by penetrating the enamel—the hard outer layer of your teeth—to break down stain-causing compounds.
Your diet and habits impact the color of your teeth. Coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and tobacco smoke are well-known causes of tooth stains.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
While store-bought whitening products can provide some improvement, professional in-office whitening delivers the fastest and most dramatic results. At Kearns Family Dentistry, we use stronger peroxide solutions that are capable of making your teeth several shades whiter in just about an hour! This is a perfect solution if you need quick results for an upcoming event or simply want a brighter smile fast.
Am I A Good Candidate For In-Office Teeth Whitening?
Not all patients are ideal candidates for in-office whitening. If you have gum disease or sensitive teeth, stronger whitening solutions could cause irritation. In these cases, a custom take-home whitening kit may be a better option, allowing for a gentler and more controlled whitening process.
Additionally, teeth with crowns, veneers, or bonding won’t respond to whitening. For severely discolored teeth, especially those stained brown or gray, alternative treatments such as veneers or crowns may be more effective.
In-Office Whitening Procedure
- Initial assessment: The dentist will record the color of your teeth before treatment to track progress.
- Protection: To protect your lips, tongue, and gums from the strong whitening agent, your dentist will apply a rubber dam or a hardening gel. A cheek retractor will also be used to keep your lips and cheeks away from your teeth.
- Whitening process: The whitening gel will be applied in cycles lasting 15 to 30 minutes, with progress checks in between. The entire appointment takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
- Final results: Afterward, the dentist will record the final shade of your teeth, noting how many shades whiter they’ve become. To maintain your bright smile, you may be given take-home whitening trays.
It’s common to notice a slight return to your original color within a few days. This is a normal reaction as your teeth rehydrate after the procedure.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’ve been disappointed with store-bought whitening kits, a custom-made take-home tray from Kearns Family Dentistry could offer better results. These trays are created from molds of your teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Unlike store-bought kits, custom trays cover all your teeth evenly and minimize irritation to your gums.
Am I a Good Candidate for Take-Home Whitening?
Not all stains can be corrected with take-home whitening. Discoloration caused by root canals, for instance, won’t respond to these treatments since the staining occurs inside the tooth. Crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth also won’t change color. In these cases, your dentist can discuss alternative options like new veneers or crowns.
Take-Home Whitening Procedure
- Custom tray creation: We will take impressions of your teeth using a special putty to create custom trays.
- Gel selection: The dentist will choose a whitening gel suited to your needs. Stronger gels work faster but may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
- At-home treatment: You’ll apply the gel to your trays and wear them for two to four hours each day over a two-to-four-week period. Most patients notice results within the first two weeks. If you experience sensitivity or discomfort, contact us immediately.
Before starting your at-home whitening routine, it’s important to ensure your teeth are in good condition. Necessary procedures like cleanings or fillings should be completed first to achieve the best results.
Schedule a Tooth Whitening Consultation in Allentown, PA
For more infomation or to schedule a consultation, call Kearns Family Dentistry at (610) 432-7565 or fill out our online contact form.
We’re here to help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile!
