Teeth Whitening – Allentown, PA
The Reliable and Convenient Stain-Lifting Solution
A recent employment poll revealed that patients are more likely to get a job or promotion if they have a brilliant smile. Another study revealed that patients with whiter teeth were perceived as younger on first impression. The verdict is in, a beautiful smile makes a difference professionally and personally. At Bradford Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve their smile goals. If your goal is a brilliant smile, then you’ll be happy to hear that we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that brighten smiles up to ten shades!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
First, it’s important to understand how stains form. In short, there are three layers to each tooth: the hard enamel surface, the inner dentin layer, and the soft central pulp. Over time, stains are absorbed into the enamel to the dentin layer, discoloring teeth. This could be caused by everything from the foods and drinks we consume to aging, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. To combat this, whitening gel uses hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to chemically lift the stains from teeth, restoring smiles to brilliant white. So, if you are unhappy with the shade of your teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist. That way, we can learn all about your dental needs, including the state of your oral health and the cause of your dental discoloration.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
At our Allentown dental practice, we recommend professional at-home whitening. Using custom-made application trays, patients apply professional-grade whitening gel to their smiles for a predetermined amount of time every day from the comfort of home. While in-office whitening has become a preferred method, at-home whitening has numerous benefits including:
- Reduced sensitivity – Since patients don’t need to undergo the entire stain removal process all at once, teeth are less likely to be sensitive following treatments.
- Gradual change – Rather than seeing a dramatic shift from dull or yellowed to brilliant white immediately, teeth gradually lighten over about two weeks of daily wear.
- Effective and predictable – Unlike store-bought whitening products, professional at-home whitening offers predictably brilliant results up to ten shades lighter.
- Comfortable – The process is more comfortable because patients are able to brighten their smiles from the comfort of home, with customized trays, and lower doses of whitening gel applied at shorter intervals.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Of course, if you immediately go back to the same habits you had before, then the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last long. To prevent that from happening, we recommend:
- Using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee and soda
- Eating light-colored foods, like white fish, egg whites, and plain yogurt
- Brushing your teeth after each meal
- Visiting us semi-annually for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning
- Not using tobacco products
- Getting touch-up whitening treatments as needed
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
If you’ve ever developed tooth sensitivity after using store-bought products, you might worry that professional teeth whitening services will be equally, if not more, painful. Thankfully, that’s not the case! Our team can provide entirely customized treatments that are designed to minimize potential discomfort.
While you might temporarily feel somewhat tender, you can avoid triggering adverse sensations by spacing out repeated applications, avoiding overly hot or cold foods immediately after whitening, and using desensitizing toothpaste.
How Is Professional Whitening Different from Store-Bought Products?
If you’re prioritizing your budget when deciding the best way to lighten your grin, you might wonder why you should invest in professional services when there are more cost-effective choices available at the local store.
The truth is that although commercial options claim to be able to produce results, there’s no guarantee they will do so effectively. Many patients have over-applied cheaper bleaching agents in an attempt to see their desired outcome, only to end up disappointed.
Meanwhile, our team can provide ultra-concentrated gels that are created to prevent sensitivity while effectively removing stains. Plus, we include custom-fitted trays for more accurate and comfortable applications.
How Can I Preserve My Teeth Whitening Results?
Typically, you can expect professional whitening to last anywhere from six months to three years, but it depends on how well you take care of your teeth. You can maintain your enhanced shade by:
- Establishing a consistent routine. You must brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque that pigmented particles can cling to.
- Schedule follow-ups. Visiting us every six months for routine checkups and cleanings allows us to monitor your dental condition as well as treat and address any concerns before they progress. Plus, we can polish away any surface stains that have developed since your last appointment.
- Watch what you eat. Common culprits like coffee, tea, wine, and berries are known to cause discoloration and should be avoided.
- Quit smoking. Cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco all contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals that can leave your grin looking worse for wear.
Am I A Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Although potentially anyone who is unhappy with the tone of their teeth can benefit from professional whitening services, that doesn’t mean it’s the best treatment for every circumstance. For instance, if we find signs of cavities or gum disease, we’ll have to address those first. Then, once Dr. Young can verify that your mouth is healthy, we can proceed with your elected enhancement.
Furthermore, some types of stains can’t be handled effectively with topical solutions. Though extrinsic discoloration on your enamel can usually be bleached away, intrinsic blemishes in the lower layers may require a different procedure, like veneers or dental bonding.
Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Allentown Today
Interested in finding out more about how to brighten your smile? Ready to get the picture-perfect smile of your dreams? Don’t wait another day. Contact Bradford Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation. We’re happy to help you get the smile of your dreams with teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or any other services from our Allentown cosmetic dentist.