Teeth Whitening – Vancouver, WA
Safely Achieve a Beautifully Bright Smile
You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about dental stains, but the truth is that even those who are committed to keeping a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine can eventually develop discoloration.
You might feel tempted to try over-the-counter solutions to try to remove stubborn stains, but these options often cause sensitivity or inconsistent results. Fortunately, Dr. Kelly offers professional-strength teeth whitening to help you safely achieve a beautifully bright smile. Continue reading to learn more about this popular cosmetic service!
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office & Take-Home Treatment Options
- Custom-fitted Applicator Trays for Enhanced Accuracy
- Insurance Accepted & Flexible Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Potentially, anyone who isn’t 100% satisfied with the shade of their teeth can benefit from this service, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right way to meet everyone’s unique needs. You must consult Dr. Kelly before proceeding so he can examine your mouth to determine whether you’re a good candidate.
For example, extrinsic stains in the outermost layer of your teeth caused by frequent or prolonged exposure to darkly tinted foods tend to respond better to topical treatment than intrinsic blemishes that seep into or originate in the lower layer of dentin. Sometimes, other services, such as veneers or dental bonding, are required to mask more severe damage or discoloration.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening generally involves applying a gel or varnish containing bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, directly to your enamel. The active ingredient undergoes a chemical oxidation reaction when it comes into contact with stain particles, which reduces their size and color concentration.
Our team offers two different methods of whitening so you can choose the option that works best for your schedule, outlined in more detail below.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
We can send you home with all the supplies you need to achieve reliable results from the comfort of your living room. Our take-home kits include professional-strength Opalescence gel and custom-fitted trays for more comfortable, accurate outcomes that you can count on. Many patients start to see the desired changes within just 2 weeks of using the product as directed.
In-Office Whitening
If you prefer more immediate results, such as looking your best for an upcoming occasion, in-office treatment may be a better choice. For this procedure, our team places Zoom! gel to your teeth, then accelerates the bleaching process by exposing your enamel to ultraviolet light. This allows us to brighten your grin by several shades, often in a single, hour-long appointment.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Although the results of teeth whitening don’t last forever, there are thankfully several ways you can help maintain the perfect shade, such as:
- Clean your mouth consistently. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that leave behind a textured surface for stain particles to cling to.
- Schedule touch-ups. Some patients require periodic re-treatment to preserve their results long-term.
- Choose foods carefully. Avoiding common culprits, such as tomatoes, berries, tea, coffee, and wine, can help avoid additional discoloration.
- Change dental hygiene products. You may find it helpful to brush or rinse with whitening toothpaste or mouthwash.
- Attend routine checkups. Seeing our team for a standard exam and cleaning every 6 months allows us to monitor your dental health and polish away more recent surface stains.