One of the most common ways to improve the look of your smile is through teeth whitening. This process removes the stains and discolorations that accumulate over time on your teeth. When combined with regular brushing and flossing as well as regular check-ups at Lovett Dental Corpus Christi, teeth whitening options are excellent ways to maintain a bright, welcoming smile.
OTC Teeth Whitening Options
Your local pharmacy or supermarket may stock several teeth whitening options. You can buy whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or whitening gels without a prescription. After using over-the-counter whitening solutions for a week, your teeth will become brighter. Continue using the same products to keep the same level of brightness for a period of three to four months. OTC remedies are not as effective or long-lasting as the professional whitening kits we distribute or the in-office treatment we offer.
The difference between a standard toothpaste and a whitening toothpaste is that a whitening toothpaste will permanently remove stains while a standard toothpaste only temporarily removes the stains present on the surfaces of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste contains silica or covarine as the active ingredient, which is more effective. At most, whitening toothpaste will only lighten your teeth by one shade. Consider changing your lifestyle to achieve and maintain a whiter smile. Regular consumption of coffee or red wine can permanently change the color of your teeth’s enamel.
Whitening Kits
We provide whitening kits to patients who want to enjoy the benefits of a professional whitening treatment in the comfort of their homes. The whitening kit consists of bleaching paste in a mouthguard. Wear the mouth guard for just a few hours every day for a month or two to see a marked improvement in the whiteness of your teeth. To create the mouthguard, one of our dentists will take an impression of your upper and lower jaws. It’s important to ensure a proper fit so that the peroxide solution won’t hit the sensitive gums and tissue of your mouth.
Consult with your dentist to learn the proper way to use the home whitening kit. Your dentist will analyze the current shade of your teeth to determine the appropriate time period during which you should use the home whitening kit. Make sure to brush your teeth each time before using the home whitening kit. After a couple of weeks, you will attend a follow-up appointment with your dentist to monitor the treatment’s progression.
Peroxide Treatments
Peroxide treatments are just one of the cosmetic dentistry services we offer to our patients. In only two visits, you could make your smile eight shades whiter than it was before. In total, you have the option of using a whitening system that requires multiple short sessions or a whitening system that consists of two consecutive treatment hours. Sometimes your cosmetic dentist may use light or heat to enhance or accelerate the whitening process. Not only are professional whitening treatments the most effective option, but they are the least likely to cause damage to your gums. From a cost-benefit analysis, the higher cost of the procedure justifies the benefits that you will enjoy.
Before starting the whitening treatment, your dentist will remove all plaque from your teeth and polish the surfaces of your teeth. Then, your dentist will securely cover your gums and soft tissue with gauze or another protective barrier. Your dentist will apply the peroxide whitening solution. At the end of the session, your dentist will rinse the solution from your mouth. Depending on the additional protection you require, your dentist may decide to give you a fluoride treatment or suggest sealants at a future appointment.
A brighter smile is within your reach. To learn more about your teeth whitening options and how we can help you achieve your brightest smile, call Lovett Dental Corpus Christi at 361-986-1117.
