At one time or another, you may have looked at your smile in the mirror and thought to yourself, "I wish I had whiter teeth!" You might start a search for "teeth whitening near me." If you drink coffee, tea, or wine, or if you use tobacco, your teeth may not be as white as they used to be. The effects of what we eat and drink can significantly affect our tooth color over time; if that's the case, a teeth whitening session might be the answer.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
As the name implies, teeth whitening refers to making teeth appear whiter. This whitening process can be accomplished in one of two ways:
- Bleaching the tooth with a solution containing peroxide can remove both deep and surface stains
- A non-bleaching method that removes surface stains only
What Is the Process?
You'll need to consult your dentist to see if you're a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you have large fillings or crowns on your front teeth, teeth-whitening chemicals will not work for you.
If your dentist in Concord, NH, deems you to be a good candidate for teeth whitening, here's what to expect:
- The dentist will put a lip retractor in your mouth to pull your lips back.
- Next, the dentist will create a gingival barrier on the gums around your front teeth. This is done by adding a gel to your gums and then activating the gel with a high-powered light.
- The teeth whitening process involves adding a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes and breaks up the stains on your teeth.
- The dentist will wipe the gel off and reapply it multiple times until the desired whitening effect is achieved.
- Once complete, you can expect your teeth to be four to six times whiter after only one office visit.
- Your teeth and gums could be sensitive for a day or two after the teeth whitening treatment.
How Long Will Teeth Whitening Last?
Your teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to three years depending on several factors, such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking dark liquids (coffee, tea, wine, dark soda)
- Dental hygiene
Want More Information?
If you're ready to learn more about teeth whitening near you, call the office at (603) 225-4143 for a consultation. Our friendly staff is prepared to answer your questions.