If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile because of dull, yellow, or stained teeth, Storts Family Dentistry is a local dentist office that provides teeth whitening treatments. Your teeth will naturally darken as you age or can become stained due to various lifestyle habits such as coffee drinking or smoking.
Professional teeth whitening is a popular and quick cosmetic dentistry treatment that can instantly whiten your smile and create a more youthful appearance. Storts Family Dentistry is currently offering teeth whitening in Madill and Ardmore, OK.
The Difference Between Professional Teeth Whitening and Store-Bought Whitening Products
Professional teeth whitening and store-bought whitening products are both popular methods people use to try to achieve a brighter smile. However, they differ significantly in terms of effectiveness, safety, and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:
Strength of Whitening Agents
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Since a dental professional is able to administer the treatment, they are able to use a higher concentration whitening agent. When our dentist administers professional teeth whitening treatment, they use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can range from 15% to 43%. The higher concentration allows for more effective and faster results.
- Store-Bought Whitening Products: Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels, contain a much lower concentrations of whitening agents (usually around 3% to 10%). The lower concentration means it takes longer to see noticeable results. Over-the-counter products may never be able to remove some stains.
Supervision and Customization
- Professional Teeth Whitening: We can customize your professional whitening treatment to meet your specific needs. This involves making custom trays to ensure even application of the whitening agent or being supervised during the entire process. When we supervise you during treatment, the dentist can adjust the treatment as needed to minimize sensitivity and achieve optimal results.
- Store-Bought Whitening Products: Store-bought products are generic and not tailored to individual dental needs. One-size-fits-all strips or trays might not cover all teeth evenly, leading to uneven whitening results. Without professional supervision, users may not use the products correctly, leading to issues like gum irritation, increased tooth sensitivity, or uneven results.
Effectiveness and Speed
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional treatments provide significant results after just one or two sessions. After a short period of time, it can lighten your teeth by several shades. The higher concentration of whitening agents ensures faster and more noticeable results.
- Store-Bought Whitening Products: Store bought products require consistent and prolonged use over weeks to months to achieve noticeable results. You may even have to buy and use the product more than you intended. Even with regular use, the results might not be as dramatic as those achieved through professional whitening.
Safety and Oral Health
- Professional Teeth Whitening: When performed by our qualified dentist, professional teeth whitening is generally safe. Your dentist can assess your oral health, address any existing dental issues, and use techniques to minimize sensitivity during the procedure.
- Store-Bought Whitening Products: While most store-bought products are safe for use, they can cause gum irritation or tooth sensitivity if you do not use them correctly. If you overuse or misuse them, it can lead to enamel damage and other dental problems.
Cost
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments performed at a dental office will cost more. The cost varies based on whether you choose in-office whitening or at-home whitening.
- Store-Bought Whitening Products: A store bought whitening product will cost less than a professional treatment. They may be more affordable but will require repeated purchases for sustained results. This could potentially increase the overall cost over time.
Professional Teeth Whitening At Storts Family Dentistry in Madill and Ardmore, OK
Professional in-office teeth whitening: Storts Family Dentistry is proud to offer professional teeth whitening in our three dental offices. In about one hour, we can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades. An in-office teeth whitening treatment is the perfect solution if you have an event coming up and need instant results. It is also the safest way to get a brighter smile since a dental professional will administer the whitening agent.
We will cover your gums and lips to protect them from irritation before applying the professional-grade bleaching gel to your teeth. Then, we will activate the gel with a special light. We will leave it on for 15 minutes. We will repeat this process up to three times, depending on your desired results. The entire treatment should take about one hour.
Whiten your teeth at home: Our local dentist office also offers take-home whitening kits, allowing you to get brighter teeth in just a few weeks from the comforts of your home. This easy treatment involves using custom trays and a bleaching agent that you will self-administer using specific directions given by your dentist.
We will take dental impressions of your teeth and use them to fabricate your custom dental trays that will fit perfectly over your teeth, creating a tight seal. It will ensure that the dentist evenly distributes the bleaching agent. Many people will notice whiter teeth in just a few days with consistent use.
Other Teeth Whitening Options
Storts Family Dentistry also offers several more permanent cosmetic options to whiten your teeth. For some patients, even professional tooth whitening fails to brighten their smile. There are certain types of stains that may not respond to certain medications that cause permanent staining. For these patients, we recommend other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as:
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration happens when teeth lose their bright, white color and start to look yellow, brown, or even gray. Many factors can cause this, including food, drinks, smoking, aging, and health conditions.
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is the food and drinks you consume. Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda contain pigments that stick to the enamel, the outer layer of the teeth. Acidic drinks, such as soda and citrus juices, can weaken enamel, making it easier for stains to form. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce also contain strong pigments that can stain teeth over time. Brushing or rinsing your mouth after eating these foods can help prevent staining.
Tobacco use is another major cause of tooth discoloration. Smoking or chewing tobacco exposes teeth to tar and nicotine, which cause deep stains. Tar is naturally dark, and nicotine turns yellow when mixed with oxygen. Over time, these substances build up on the enamel, making teeth appear yellow or brown. Quitting smoking improves your overall health and helps keep your teeth whiter.
As people age, their teeth naturally become darker. The enamel wears down over time, revealing more of the yellowish dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. This process happens gradually, but poor oral hygiene can speed it up. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings can slow down this natural discoloration.
Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause tooth discoloration. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can stain teeth if taken during childhood when teeth are still developing. Some antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy treatments can also lead to tooth staining. Additionally, diseases that affect enamel and dentin can change the color of teeth, making them look gray or brown.
Poor dental hygiene can worsen discoloration. If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, creating yellow or brown stains. Visiting our office for professional cleanings can remove these stains and help maintain a bright smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
How often can I have teeth whitening treatment?
You can whiten your teeth every six months to a year. Your dentist can advise you on your situation. If you overuse teeth whitening products, it can lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel damage. Professional in-office treatments may last longer, while at-home products might need more frequent touch-ups. Always follow the product’s recommendations and consult your dentist to determine the best schedule for you.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
You can whiten your teeth if you have sensitive teeth. However, you should consult with your dentist first. You may have to choose a whitening product with lower peroxide levels for sensitive teeth. Moreover, using a desensitizing toothpaste before and after whitening can help reduce discomfort. You might also consider in-office whitening. A dentist can monitor and adjust the treatment to minimize sensitivity.
Is whitening teeth bad for enamel?
No. Teeth whitening is generally safe for enamel when done correctly. Professional whitening treatments use safe levels of bleaching agents. Over-the-counter products can also be safe if you use them as your dentist directs. However, overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to enamel damage and increase tooth sensitivity. It’s important to follow the instructions and not overdo it. Consulting your dentist before starting any whitening treatment helps ensure safety.
How many whitening sessions do I need?
The number of teeth whitening sessions you need will depend on the result and method you choose. In-office professional whitening often requires one to three sessions for noticeable results. At-home treatments, like whitening trays or strips, might take several weeks of daily use. Your dentist can provide a personalized plan based on your teeth’ current color and whitening goals.
Should I get a teeth cleaning before whitening?
Yes, you should get professional teeth cleaning before whitening. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar, allowing the whitening agent to work more effectively. Clean teeth also ensure even whitening and better results. Your dentist will also have a chance to check for issues like cavities or gum disease before your whitening session.
Can I eat and drink normally after my whitening treatment?
After whitening your teeth, avoiding certain foods and drinks for at least 24-48 hours is best. You should avoid items like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sauces, which can stain teeth. Stick to white or light-colored foods and drinks, such as water, milk, plain chicken, and rice. This helps maintain your whitening results and prevents new stains from forming. After this period, you can gradually return to your regular diet. However, you should still be mindful of staining foods.
Contact Storts Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or request an appointment with us online. Our cosmetic services are available to Southern Oklahoma and all of the surrounding neighborhoods and cities, such as Ardmore, Marietta, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, and Kingston.