Whitening
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Office Hours
Monday – Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: By Appointment
Thursday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
What is whitening?
Whitening helps to remove and lift stains and discoloration from the teeth. Teeth can naturally yellow over time but the process can be sped up and made worse with certain lifestyle and dietary habits. Things like smoking, chewing tobacco, and certain drinks such as coffee, teas and soda can all influence how the teeth discolor. We offer professional in-office and take-home whitening solutions that will fit your needs perfectly.
Why is Teeth Whitening needed?
While there are many over-the-counter products available, professional whitening uses prescription-strength whitening ingredients that deliver quicker and better results. In some cases, results can be seen in under an hour after utilizing an in-office treatment. Some things that can cause your teeth to look dull and yellow include:
- Smoking
- Chewing Tobacco
- Drinking Coffee
- Drinking Tea
- Drinking Soda
- Eating Staining Foods (berries, chocolate)
- Natural Aging
I highly recommend family dental in Biddeford, me. I’ve always been very nervous about going to get dental work done. Here it’s been a pleasant and pain free experience.
What makes you a good candidate for whitening?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or are sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
What should I expect when I get my teeth whitened?
During your whitening treatment the first step will be to retract your lips and protect your gums. This will allow for visibility and prevent the whitening gel from bleaching the gum tissue. The whitening agent will then be applied to the teeth and left to sit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes the gel is removed and your teeth will be evaluated. If you choose a second application of whitening gel can be applied for another 20 minutes. No more than two sessions of whitening can be done in one day. You are always welcome to come back for more sessions of whitening if desired. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.
It is normal to experience some sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages and foods for at least 72 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. The rule of thumb is if it will stain a white shirt to avoid it for 72 hours. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.
