Teeth Whitening – Dedham, MA
Achieving a Whiter and Brighter Smile
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so if your teeth are stained or discolored, you might be wondering what your options are for enhancing them. Our team at Dr. Gauri Patil Family Dentistry can help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile and ensure that every time you grin, you light up the whole room! Feel free to give us a call to learn more about what options we have or to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Gauri Patil Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Comfortable Office and Advanced Technology
- Professional and Friendly Dental Team
- Lasting Results You’ll Be Proud to Show Off
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You’ll need to come visit Dr. Patil to determine if your smile could benefit from teeth whitening; however, most individuals with noticeably stained teeth are good candidates for the treatment! It’s often the best option for extrinsic staining, or staining that originates on the surface of the teeth; for intrinsic staining, or staining that occurs from within, other treatment options, like veneers, may be a better option. In any case, we’ll also want to review your medical history and determine if your oral health is suitable for treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We understand that you might have a little initial confusion about how the teeth whitening process works, and we’re happy to take the time to ensure that you understand every detail of the treatment before committing to it. Our team is proud to offer KöR in-office whitening treatment as well as professional-grade take-home whitening kits; both are capable of producing dazzling results!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’d prefer to whiten your smile on your own schedule, professional take-home kits will allow you to do so! These kits include customized trays and high-grade bleaching gels that are much more effective than anything you can buy at the store. You’ll have to wear them for a designated amount of time each day for two weeks, but afterward, your smile should be noticeably brighter.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our team can also easily handle your whitening experience in office if you’d prefer. Using the KöR whitening system, your teeth can be whitened in a single visit and in as little as an hour. First, your teeth are desensitized, and then a special, potent bleaching gel is used to eliminate visible surface stains.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Once you’ve had your teeth whitened by us, it’s simply a matter of preserving your results for as long as possible! Here are some tips to help you out:
- Limit your exposure to foods and beverages that contain staining agents such as soda, coffee, tea, red wine, curry, soy sauce, berries, etc.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly.
- Continue to visit us for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid poor oral habits that can weaken your enamel and cause additional staining such as smoking, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth as tools.
- Touch-up treatments are also available to keep your smile bright in the future!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening can turn back the clock to reveal a bright, beautiful smile. Although it’s one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, it’s normal to have a few concerns. Dr. Patil will explain everything during your consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening should not hurt if your teeth and gums are healthy. Professional whitening agents are formulated to prevent sensitivity. However, if you overuse whitening treatments, including OTC products, you can be more susceptible to discomfort. Dr. Patil can cater your treatment to your needs and level of comfort. She may recommend avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours. In some situations, she may recommend using desensitizing toothpaste to block any pain signals.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Teeth whitening treatments will not damage your enamel if your teeth are healthy. Dr. Patil will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning to ensure teeth whitening is an option for you. You can ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy by visiting a dentist for teeth whitening and not overusing OTC products or remedies.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Every mouth and situation differs. Many factors will influence the duration of your results, which can range from a few months to several years. You can ensure your pearly whites stay bright with a good oral hygiene routine at home. Brush, floss, and use a daily mouthwash. It’s best to avoid any stain-causing foods and drinks, like coffee, berries, or red wine. Don’t smoke to prevent tar or nicotine stains. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Dr. Patil can provide you with a touchup kit to ensure your investment lasts.
Does Teeth Whitening Work On Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns differ from your enamel because it isn’t porous. Whitening agents won’t have any effect on their color. Whitening treatments can also weaken the bonding material holding your restoration to your tooth, causing you to need a replacement sooner. If you’re concerned about color discrepancies, Dr. Patil will create a personalized plan to ensure consistent results, like reshading your crown.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Although teeth whitening is safe, you’ll need a consultation to ensure you’re a candidate. You must have healthy teeth and gums. If Dr. Patil finds anything concerning, like cavities or gum disease, they must be addressed before undergoing a whitening treatment. Dr. Patil will also determine the source of your discoloration. While whitening systems are effective, they can't be used on all stains, like those originating from within the tooth. If teeth whitening is right for you, Dr. Patil will explain all your options, like an in-office or at-home solution. If you’re not a candidate, Dr. Patil will discuss alternative options, like veneers or dental bonding.