- Posted on: Apr 6 2019
Grand Rapids, MI
At A Life Of Smiles, we understand that sometimes when you look at your teeth you think, “Why couldn’t they be whiter?” Good news… they can! Teeth whitening is the most frequently performed treatment in cosmetic dentistry for a reason. If you’ve ever asked yourself or your dentist this question, you may want to take the time to learn more about teeth whitening and if it is right for you.
How does a teeth whitening treatment work?
You may be curious about what teeth whitening actually does. Well, the process of whitening your teeth involves using a bleaching process to remove stains from your teeth that otherwise could not be removed.
A professional whitening procedure can be completed in a dentist’s office or at home with a kit that uses a peroxide-based bleach solution to remove stains and whiten teeth. At A Life of Smiles, we use the Zoom! whitening system for our in-office whitening procedures. First, the patented Zoom! bleaching gel is applied to your teeth. Then, your Grand Rapids cosmetic dentist administers the Zoom! laser, which activates the whitening agent in the gel.
Some patients prefer to whiten their own teeth in the comfort of their own homes. If you would rather “DIY” your teeth whitening, then the dentist can send you home with a kit that includes fitted, custom-made dental molds and bleach-based solution. We offer three different varieties of at-home kits, each of which comes with specific instructions about the time frame and how to use the product. No matter which kit you choose, if instructions are followed, your teeth will become noticeably whiter than results you would get using a whitening kit purchased from the store.
The real differences between store purchased and professional teeth whitening
An in-office treatment produces the fastest teeth whitening results. When using an at-home treatment, it will take longer to see the total difference.
Store bought whitening treatments may be less expensive, compared to having your teeth professional whitened, but results are usually subpar, and are not as drastic as receiving whitening treatments from your dentist.
Professional teeth whitening produces more consistent results. Your teeth will look more even and have a more uniform appearance.
A store bought whitening kit has more risks of adverse side effects. This may, in fact, lead to you being unable to continue the process and not achieve your desired aesthetic goal.
Both types of whitening treatments may require you to take some precautionary steps and change your habits to achieve the longest-lasting outcome.
Get whiter teeth in Grand Rapids
There are ups and downs with any type of teeth whitening treatment you choose, and nearly all teeth whitening procedures can have side effects. When using many over-the-counter whitening products, there is a chance your teeth and gums will become sensitive after the bleaching process. This sensitivity may be temporary, but in rare instances, it can lead to severe tooth sensitivity that may require even a root canal to fix. That’s why it is always a good idea to receive a whitening treatment under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist. Remember, existing dental work will not change its color so you may want your Grand Rapids dentist to replace any pre-existing restorations to match the new shade of your teeth. Finally, failing to have a good at-home oral hygiene routine could lead to stains developing again quicker than expected, especially after eating foods and drinks such as berries, wine, coffee, and tea.
Whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is not permanent and will have to be repeated to ensure continued results. To fulfill any other curiosity you have about teeth whitening, you should consult with your dentists at A Life of Smiles. Just call (616) 458-0631 to schedule an appointment.
A Life of Smiles serves patients in the Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, and Holland, MI areas.
Posted in: Teeth Whitening