At Tier One Dental, we perform teeth whitening procedures to remove discoloration and stains from your teeth. Many factors cause teeth to become discolored and stained, including consuming dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, soda, wine, dark berries, and tobacco. Aging also causes the natural pigmentation of your tooth enamel to fade over time, exposing lighter areas and making your smile appear less bright. Whitening your teeth helps these stains go away.
In-Office vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
During in-office whitening, our dentist will use protective measures to protect your sensitive gums and the enamel of your teeth. Our dentist will apply the whitening agent to the surface of your teeth and use a curing light to boost its efficacy and speed the process. The method can whiten teeth by several shades in just one treatment.
While at-home whitening kits offer the convenience of whitening your teeth whenever you want, they’re less potent than in-office whitening. These treatments can take several weeks before you achieve your desired results.
The Teeth Whitening Procedure
When patients decide on in-office whitening treatment, their dentist applies protective putty around their gums before applying the bleaching gel. The gel is then applied to the teeth, and a special light activates the bleaching agent. Once the gel is applied to the teeth and is allowed to settle for a few minutes, the peroxide breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles that lift stains from within the tooth enamel. Once the stains have been lifted from the tooth surface, they can be removed easily with a toothbrush or floss. After this quick procedure, your mouth will feel clean and fresh, and your pearly whites will have a beautiful shade again!
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
When you whiten at home, you risk damaging the gums or teeth if you have sensitive gums or roots. At the dentist’s office, we have special tools to prevent the gel from coming in contact with the gums and roots of the teeth. We also have access to prescription-strength gels that might be more effective than those you can buy over the counter at your local pharmacy or grocery store. The products we use in the office contain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide so that they work faster and more effectively.
Another advantage to having your teeth whitened professionally is that you have the peace of mind that the process will be safe and effective. We can monitor what’s happening to your teeth during each session and ensure that no damage occurs. We can also recommend specific lifestyle changes to help you maintain results for extended periods.
If you’re considering getting your teeth whitened for a special event or want to improve your smile's appearance, visit Tier One Dental at 279 TX-46, Seguin, TX 78155, or call (830) 372-2852.