An In-Office Whitening May Be Right For You

By Kendra L. Patterson, DMD | Dental Clinic

Apr 03

You want whiter teeth, a brighter smile. You’ve tried whitening toothpastes, over the counter strips and home kits but the results have been less than rewarding. Maybe it’s time to consult with your dentist about the prospects of an in-office cosmetic procedure.

Before the whitening solution is applied your dentist will clean your teeth and check for any other dental issues that could be magnified by the whitening process. A cavity or any symptoms of early gum disease for instance, should be treated before the whitening process gets underway.

If all systems are go your dentist will begin by taking “before” pictures and comparing the color of your teeth to a modeled shade chart in order to measure the progress as the whitening procedure goes forward. Your dentist will then expose the teeth and apply the bleaching gel which will stay on the surface of the teeth for fifteen minutes to a half an hour. When the time is right the gel will be removed and your dentist will take account of how well the procedure is working. If she determines that it is needed, an adjustment in the level of strength in the bleaching solution will be made. Then you will be ready for the second application. Some whitening systems integrate a bright light to enhance the effects.

The immediate outcome of the whitening process may not be the final one. The process itself will make the teeth look whiter than before but the actual shade of the long lasting effect won’t show through for a few days.

Once you have achieved your goal you’ll want to maintain that beautiful new smile. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid certain foods and drinks that are apt to stain those pearly whites. Coffee, tea, and red wine are high on a list of no-no’s. Stay away from dark chocolate as well, at least for the first week after your procedure.

Click on the patient info page on the Kendra L. Patterson website www.kendrapattersondmd.com which has been provided for the convenience of new patients. Call for your appointment @ 303-722-9504 in Denver.

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