Brookline dentist answers, “What is teeth whitening?”
If you live in Brookline and have been curious about what is teeth whitening, you’ve come to the right place. At Alpha Plus Dental Center, teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dental treatments because it dramatically transforms a smile quickly and affordably. Whether you want a touch-up before a wedding or reunion, or simply want to improve your smile for everyday life, teeth whitening can be the answer.
How does teeth whitening work?
While each teeth whitening product may vary a little bit, they all work on a similar concept. When the bleaching agent is applied to the surface of the teeth, it will remove any accumulated staining or discoloration. The most common bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide.
What are the different types of teeth whitening?
There are many products available both over the counter and through your dentist to whiten your teeth. We’ve found that many people in the Brookline area begin with a whitening toothpaste or strips that are purchased over the counter at a local drug store. While these products can be effective at removing some surface stains, they do not actually whiten the teeth as well as professional solutions.
If you are in the Brookline area and want teeth that are visibly whiter, we recommend scheduling an appointment at Alpha Plus Dental Center to learn about our professional whitening solutions. With both in-office and at-home options, our solutions truly transform the appearance of the smile, often improving the teeth by up to eight shades. If you are looking for dramatic results, professional whitening from your dentist in Brookline is the best option.
How does in-office teeth whitening work?
At our Brookline office, we invite our patients to sit back and relax while the Zoom! Teeth whitening system gets to work. With Zoom! in-office teeth whitening, patients can achieve a whiter, brighter smile in just a single dental visit.
During Zoom! Whitening, the bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and the activated by a specialized UV light. This process is repeated in three 15-minute sessions. The addition of the Zoom! UV light accelerates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, allowing oxygen to penetrate the stained enamel and dentin. Within about 90 minutes, patients will leave the office with a dazzling, whiter smile.
How does at-home whitening work?
While many of our Brookline patients enjoy the immediacy of in-office whitening, others prefer to whiten their teeth gradually in the comfort of their own home. For these patients, we offer professional-strength at-home whitening trays.
The treatment begins by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth which are then used to make customized whitening trays. These trays are designed to fit snugly over the teeth so that none of the whitening solution leaks out. Patients will be instructed to apply the gel and wear the trays for a few hours every night for a period of one to two weeks. Once the teeth have reached the desired shade of white, patients can stop wearing the trays.
One of the biggest benefits of at-home whitening is that patients can keep the trays for periodic touch-ups at any time.
How do I keep my newly whitened teeth looking great?
After a whitening treatment, we make sure to let all our Brookline area patients know that their teeth are still susceptible to stains. The same foods and beverages that caused the initial discoloration will eventually stain newly whitened teeth. Some tips for keeping your teeth looking white are:
- Try to limit the dark colored foods and beverages that you consume. Brushing or rinsing afterward can help prevent them from staining the teeth.
- Try drinking dark colored beverages through a straw. This prevents the liquid from coming into contact with and staining the front teeth.
- Carry a travel toothbrush and mouthwash kit so that you can keep your teeth clean when you’re on the go.
- Consider an at-home whitening kit for periodic touch-ups if teeth start to look dull or discolored.
If you live in the Brookline area, a brand-new smile is within reach. Call Alpha Plus Dental Center today at (617) 274-8494 to learn more about our teeth whitening services and find out which one is right for you.
