Human teeth chew through many different materials over years of use, and many popular foods and beverages can leave a smile with unsightly stains and discoloration that will not respond to common oral hygiene techniques. Fortunately, many dentists offer effective and reliable teeth whitening treatments that can lift stubborn stains and brighten the smile by up to eight shades. Here’s a brief guide to how the whitening process works as well as a few factors that may make multiple treatments necessary.
How Do Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Work?
Professional teeth whitening treatments use customized dental trays that ensure even coverage and minimize the risk of soft tissue injuries and concentrated whitening gels that deliver amazing results in brief timeframes. These treatments come in one of two forms:
- In-office teeth whitening: Your dentist can brighten your grin in about an hour at their office.
- Take-home whitening kits: These kits include customized dental trays and a tube of professional-grade whitening gel. The patient will only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over their teeth for about an hour daily for two weeks.
Professional teeth whitening can brighten smiles by up to eight shades and deliver results that last for three years or more if the patient practices excellent oral hygiene while limiting their consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages. While many patients will find that they only need one treatment to achieve their desired results, others may require multiple sessions.
Why Would Multiple Teeth Whitening Sessions Be Necessary?
A patient may require two or more teeth whitening sessions to achieve their desired results due to factors like:
- Age-related discoloration: Older teeth typically have thinner layers of enamel, which makes them appear more yellow.
- Discoloration caused by antibiotics: Exposure to tetracycline antibiotics in early childhood can lead to permanent dental discoloration that is difficult to remove.
- Especially severe dental stains: Cases of extensive and deep stains and discoloration may require multiple sessions to resolve.
Having shinier teeth can make you more eager to show off your smile and more enthusiastic about excellent oral hygiene. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to address stains, discoloration, and other cosmetic concerns.
About the Practice
Palm Dental Professionals offers effective oral health treatments to the community of Jupiter. Led by Drs. Chris and Kaitlin Rodriguez, the staff ensures that each patient receives outstanding customer service with genuine compassion and concern. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry, contact the office online or dial (561) 404-4325.