Stained or discolored teeth are an unfortunate reality that manifests over time. If you are embarrassed by yellowed teeth, a teeth whitening treatment can restore your smile to its most radiant state.
Can I Benefit From Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening may be right for you if you have tooth discoloration or stains from any of the following:
- Consumption of tea, coffee or red wine
- Using tobacco products
- Genetic factors
- Certain medications
- Tooth decay
- Tooth trauma
- The natural effects of aging
At-Home Whitening Treatment
If you have minor discoloration from drinking coffee daily, you may achieve your desired results with an at-home treatment. At Dr. Milner’s dental practice, we offer patients the Venus Whitening Deluxe Kit, an advanced whitening system that allows you to whiten your teeth while you sleep or for a few hours during the day. The Venus Whitening Deluxe Kit uses an enamel-friendly peroxide gel to fill thin custom bleaching trays that fit the unique shape of your teeth. The carbamide peroxide ingredient in the gel bleaches the tooth without affecting its structure. You will notice that your teeth look better after the first time using the gel, and your teeth will continue to lighten with each treatment. With consistent use, maximum results will appear in two to three weeks.
An at-home whitening treatment does not hurt, but some patients do experience tooth sensitivity. These symptoms typically dissipate within one to three days after completing the treatment. During your consultation with us, our team of dental professionals will carefully go over with you how to use the whitening trays and will be available to answer all of your questions.
In-Office Whitening Treatment
For deep stains typically caused by certain medications, tooth decay and trauma, we recommend an in-office whitening treatment. An in-office whitening treatment is ideal for patients who desire a whiter, brighter smile instantly; one in-office treatment can lighten teeth up to eight shades in as little as one hour! And because the treatment is supervised by our licensed dental professionals, you can expect our whitening treatments to be safe and pain-free.
Before each treatment, a member of our trusted dental team will thoroughly clean your teeth to prepare them for treatment. We will then place a rubber shield over the gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. The bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and will remain there for 15 minutes. The bleaching agent works by breaking up stains and discoloration into smaller pieces, which dilutes the concentrate of the stains and lightens the teeth. Depending on the whitening system used, we may use a special LED light to active the bleaching gel. The gel will be removed and then re-applied to your teeth every 15 minutes until the desired result is achieved.
Once your teeth are brighter and whiter, there won’t be anything holding you back from smiling. Good oral hygiene is essential in maintaining your dazzling smile, as well as refraining from eating or drinking foods and beverages that could stain your teeth. Occasional touch-up treatments are recommended to maintain your whitening results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Having a professional team whiten your teeth is safer than doing it on your own. Dr. Milner and our team can control the amount and concentration of the whitening gel, protect the soft tissues of your mouth and prevent sensitivity or irritation.
Is there an age limit for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is not recommended for children or adolescents under the age of 16. Although there is no upper age limit for teeth whitening, it is important to understand that whitening works best on unrestored teeth with no fillings, crowns or veneers. Older individuals with numerous restorations could end up with uneven whitening results.
Is teeth whitening painful?
Our team takes special measures to prevent any pain. We can apply a desensitizing agent to the teeth and gumline prior to applying the whitening gel; we also cover and protect the gums and soft tissues of the mouth.
We can give you other instructions to reduce or avoid sensitivity after treatment, such as using a desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding hot and cold drinks.
What can I do to maintain my whitening results?
- Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, red wine, soda, tomato sauce, soy sauce). If you must drink coffee or tea, consume it through a straw to minimize the beverage’s contact with your teeth.
- Brush and floss daily
- Do not smoke
- Use an at-home whitening kit once a month or have “touch-up” professional whitening treatments every few months
What can I do about discolored restorations?
If you wish to lighten your dental implants, crowns, bridgework or fillings, unfortunately whitening treatment will not work on them. Talk to Dr. Milner about your options. You might need to have the restoration replaced in a lighter color.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
While in-office and at-home whitening treatments differ slightly in how they work, the results are generally the same: a brighter, radiant smile you will be proud to show off. Our team will work with you closely to find the teeth whitening option that best fits your needs and desired cosmetic outcomes. Learn more about our teeth whitening options by scheduling a personal appointment today. Please call Dr. Milner’s Mission Viejo dental office at 949-859-8899.
