Cincinnati Teeth Whitening Services
Professional Teeth Whitening Services by Cincinnati Dentists
Get Whiter Teeth at Beckham Square Family Dental in Blue Ash, Ohio
Teeth whitening is a safe, simple, and effective procedure to renew your smile and restore your confidence. Teeth whitening is a form of cosmetic dentistry, and it’s painless and noninvasive. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we can help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you.
Teeth Whitening Considerations
Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it’s essential to know that any current dental problems must be fixed before you can safely undergo a teeth whitening treatment. For example, if you have a cavity that doesn’t get removed and filled first, a whitening solution will reach the inner parts of the tooth, causing damage and extreme pain.
Also, whitening material will not work on dental bonding, ceramic or porcelain veneers, or crowns. If you’ve repaired a chipped tooth, your dentist will first need to remove the dental bonding and apply a new color-matched bond after whitening.
Receding gums and exposed roots could also make teeth whitening less effective. If exposed roots are yellow, a whitening treatment will not fix this problem. In any case, if you have symptoms of gum disease, that issue should receive attention before you consider a teeth whitening treatment.
The Teeth Whitening Procedure
To be a good candidate for teeth whitening, you’ll need to have good oral health, which your family dentist or oral surgeon will confirm. Once you clear this hurdle, your dentist will talk to you about your oral health needs and help you decide which whitening procedure is right for you.
It’s best to have a dentist trained in teeth whitening perform the procedure. Your dentist will probably photograph your teeth beforehand to make it easier to monitor the whitening progress. They’ll also thoroughly examine your teeth and discuss your reasons for pursuing the treatment.
The next step is to clean your teeth thoroughly to remove plaque, tartar, and other build-up on your teeth, which might have contributed to discoloration. Getting a thorough dental cleaning is just another bonus of undergoing teeth whitening!
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
The primary types of teeth whitening are vital and non-vital. Vital teeth whitening is done on teeth that have nerves. Dentists perform non-vital whitening on teeth that have had a root canal because they don’t have nerves or are no longer considered “alive.”
Vital Tooth Whitening Procedure for Live Teeth
In vital teeth whitening, a whitening gel containing a form of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the surfaces of teeth that are vital or alive. A special light activates the gel, helping the whitening action work more quickly. This process usually requires one to three appointments of 30 to 90 minutes each. Depending on their types and degrees, different stains will vary in their responses to the treatment.
Vital teeth whitening is done with attention to the health of the gums, inner teeth, tooth roots, and nerves. This treatment can’t be too harsh, which is why it involves hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach. Vital whitening also isn’t appropriate for damaged teeth.
A hidden benefit of vital teeth whitening is that the use of hydrogen peroxide gel and the activating light sanitizes your whole mouth. Also, your teeth look better, and the procedure leaves them in better condition than before teeth whitening.
Non-Vital Teeth Whitening for Teeth After a Root Canal
Non-vital teeth whitening treats the entire tooth, which is perfectly safe because the tooth is no longer connected to a nerve or the blood supply. The process involves your cosmetic dentist drilling a small hole in the tooth and injecting a bleaching agent, which whitens the tooth from the inside out.
Non-vital teeth whitening usually takes two appointments. The extra office visit is necessary because after the bleaching agent is inserted, it stays in for a few days for the whitening to take effect. Subsequently, the patient has to return to the dentist, who will remove the bleaching agent and fill the hole.
Making the Most of Your Teeth Whitening Procedure
Teeth whitening can do wonders for your smile, but it’s not a permanent solution. This treatment will not likely make a significant impact or last very long if you smoke or consume a lot of foods and drinks that contain staining agents. You will probably need another whitening treatment after less than 12 months if you smoke or eat foods that leave stubborn stains.
After a professional teeth whitening, you can do several things to make the results of your treatment last:
- Don’t smoke, and avoid all tobacco products.
- Limit dark-colored beverages like coffee and wine. If you drink them, use a straw so they don’t make contact with your front teeth.
- Limit or avoid sugary foods with sugars and dyes. Also, reduce your consumption of dark-colored foods like cherries, balsamic vinegar, etc.
- Get regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
- Practice comprehensive at-home dental care, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
- Consider using a whitening toothpaste to give a boost to your daily oral health routine.
Teeth Whitening Safety
Professional teeth whitening under a dentist’s care is very safe, and serious side effects are unlikely. However, some people’s teeth may be more sensitive for a short period, and mild gum irritation can also occur. These are possibilities that your dentist will probably discuss with you beforehand.
Overall, teeth whitening at the dentist’s office is usually safer and more effective than an over-the-counter kit because a professional has more control over the outcome and strength of the whitening agent. Also, a dentist can help detect and control potential side effects from the procedure.
Are You Looking for A Cincinnati Dentist Who Does Teeth Whitening?
Dr. Paul Hynes and Dr. Andrea Schmerler of Beckham Square Family Dental in Blue Ash have the experience and expertise to whiten teeth safely and effectively. Our team provides premier family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services. Patient comfort and safety are a major focus in everything we do. To schedule an appointment or get more information, call our office at 513.489.7800 or use our contact form on our website.