PINE COVE DENTAL IS OFFERING 50% OFF ZOOM! IN-OFFICE WHITENING OR ZOOM! NIGHT WHITE/DAY WHITE TAKE-HOME WHITENING WITH CUSTOM TRAYS UNTIL 2/29/2020

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By Laura Ibarrola

Supervised and Edited by Dr. Levy Do

Teeth whitening has been increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, it has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures requested by patients. Darker, stained teeth can be the result of genetics, aging, smoking, diet, or various other factors. While there are several ways to whiten your teeth like veneers, one of the most popular options is professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening works by removing the stains on the outer enamel of your teeth. 

Many people want teeth whitening to gain confidence in their smile. While people tend to get their teeth whitened for a specific occasion like a wedding, many people get it to improve their overall appearance for everyday life. Whether you are looking to get your teeth for a special occasion, or just because, it can be tempting to stop by your local drug store and pick up some whitening strips. However, professional whitening is recommended for the best results. There are two popular options you can discuss with your dentist.

The first option is the Zoom! in-office treatment. This option is ideal for individuals who either lead busy lifestyles or want fast results. In as little as an hour, teeth can be lightened up to 8 shades. While it takes a couple of days to reveal the final results, you see a noticeable difference immediately after a ZOOM! in-office whitening session. 

The second option is custom ZOOM! take-home whitening trays. This option allows you to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. Your dentist will provide you with custom trays fitted to your teeth and whitening gel. After around two weeks of daily treatment, you will have a noticeably whiter smile.

After your professional whitening treatment, there are several ways you can maintain your new pearly whites.

Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages  

We are all guilty of grabbing that cup of coffee or tea when we need a pick me up. However, these beverages contain compounds that stain your enamel. Also, wine, sports drinks, hard candy, berries, and tomato sauce are all foods and beverages that can cause tooth discoloration. While you don’t have to give up these things completely, reducing these from your diet can help protect your teeth. If you are enjoying one of these stain-causing drinks, consider using a straw. This can keep the stain-causing compounds away from your teeth, and help prolong your whitening treatment.

Stop Smoking 

While there are many health risks associated with smoking, it can also stain your enamel! After years of smoking, stains can build up over time and settle deep into the tooth. These stains can even permeate the outer layer dentin in your teeth. While these stains are more difficult to remove, it is still possible with professional whitening.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

One of the best things to keep your smile bright is by taking care of your teeth! It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day. This will not only keep bacteria from building up and forming plaque, but it can help prevent stain-causing compounds from penetrating deep into the enamel. Also, regularly visiting your dentist is important in maintaining good oral hygiene. 

Touch-up Your Treatment

While there are ways you can prolong your professional whitening treatment, it is not permanent.  If you notice your smile is not as white as it used to be, ask your dentist about getting a touch-up treatment. Together, you can create a plan to maintain your treatment.

If you are interested in learning how you can get a brighter, whiter smile, our team would love to sit down and talk with you. At Pine Cove Dental, we are dedicated to putting our patients first, join our dental family and experience the Pine Cove difference today!