Teeth Whitening

Having white, vibrant teeth makes us feel more confident. Smile Care Dentistry in Palm Bay, Florida, offers various teeth whitening services to bring out your beaming smile. Swetha Reddy, DMD, tailors the teeth whitening experience to your specific needs, opting for methods to make you feel most comfortable. Schedule a teeth whitening service by calling the office or booking an appointment through the online portal system.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening consists of various approaches to enhance and brighten your teeth. Most systems use peroxide to encourage the whitening process, so teeth whitening treats only natural teeth and doesn’t work on implants and false teeth. Different compounds of peroxide and their ratios can influence whitening results.  

Teeth whitening systems deliver results through many methods, which makes it easy to find one that tailors to your liking. Common teeth whitening products include:

• Specialized toothpaste
• Over-the-counter strips and gels
• Tray systems
• Rubber-cup prophylaxis
• Enamel microabrasion

How do at-home and in-office teeth whitening differ?

There are many teeth whitening products you can purchase over the counter. These products appear similar to in-office procedures but differ in one distinct way: superior peroxide content. 

Many at-home systems possess low amounts of peroxide solutions, between 10-38%, depending on the specific product. This causes at-home solutions to yield few results or take longer to do so. 

In-office teeth whitening consists of treatments higher in peroxide content. These treatments show greater results with shorter time investment. Going to your dental care provider for treatment can ensure safety and quality, and certain procedures like enamel microabrasion require special tools only found in a dental office.

Is teeth whitening safe?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), peroxide-based teeth whitening offers a safe and effective solution for discolored teeth. Additionally, teeth whitening doesn’t appear to increase the risk of tooth-related conditions, like cavities. There are a few steps one should follow to whiten teeth safely, such as:

• Leveraging your dentist’s expertise and recommendations
• Checking for the ADA seal on at-home products
• Always follow instructions on labels and from your dentist
• Monitor your tooth and gum health

It’s common to experience mild sensitivity and discomfort following teeth whitening, but there should never be pain or inflammation. Always contact dental experts if you experience these severe symptoms.

How do you care for teeth after teeth whitening?

It’s best to support your natural teeth with a strong sense of oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing ensure stains don’t reappear. Additionally, limiting wine and coffee and scheduling regular dental check-ups also keeps stains at bay. Following these guidelines helps reduce reliance on teeth whitening and gives your teeth a break from time to time between procedures.

Learn more about teeth whitening services at the office in Palm Bay, Florida, by calling or scheduling an appointment through the online reservation system.