Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

A bright and beautiful smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also boosts your confidence. However, over time, teeth can become discolored due to various factors such as aging, consuming dark beverages like coffee and red wine, smoking, and less-than-ideal oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are numerous teeth whitening options that can restore your smile’s natural shine or make it brighter overall. At DeAngelis Family Dentistry, we can give you a brighter and whiter smile in as little as an hour!

Types of Teeth Whitening

There are three types of teeth whitening procedures worth considering: in-office teeth whitening, take-home teeth whitening kits, and store-bought whitening products. While each type of whitening has its own benefits, there are differences you should know about before you decide to whiten your teeth.

Same Day Whitening (In-Office)

In-office teeth whitening in our Carlsbad, CA, practice provides immediate and long-lasting results. During the procedure, a high-concentration bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to activate the gel’s whitening properties. The process takes about an hour, and our dental team will monitor the progress and adjust the gel application as needed to ensure optimal results. In-office teeth whitening is the most effective option for quickly removing tough stains and achieving a whiter smile.

Take-Home Whitening Trays

Take-home teeth whitening kits involve using a custom-made tray or strips system that contains a lower concentration of the bleaching gel. The trays are worn for a specific duration each day, usually one to a few hours, over several days to achieve the desired results. At-home teeth whitening is a more affordable and convenient option for those who cannot make it to the dentist’s office for a same-day treatment. However, it may take longer to achieve the desired results compared to in-office teeth whitening.

Commercial Whitening Products

Store-bought teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels, are readily available, and these products offer noticeable results for mild stains. However, store-bought teeth whitening products are not as effective as in-office teeth whitening or take-home whitening kits because they use lower concentrations of ingredients. Not only do they take longer to achieve the desired results, but they can cost more overall because most people have to purchase more than one kit to get even somewhat similar results.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

The duration of teeth whitening results depends on several factors, such as the type of whitening procedure, oral hygiene habits, and your diet. In-office teeth whitening can last up to two years with proper aftercare, while at-home teeth whitening may last up to a year. The best thing about take-home kits is that you can touch up after your routine checkups to keep your smile whiter, longer!

Teeth Whitening Aftercare

After teeth whitening, it’s important to take care of your teeth to ensure the results last as long as you’d like. Here are some teeth whitening aftercare tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Staining Beverages: Foods to avoid after teeth whitening include things like coffee, tea, and red wine that can stain your teeth. If you absolutely have to have them, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately afterward.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to remove plaque and prevent staining.
3. Use Whitening Toothpaste: Use a whitening toothpaste that contains fluoride to help maintain the whiteness of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste won’t really bleach your teeth but it does help prevent new stains.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit DeAngelis Family Dental regularly for your professional dental cleanings and checkups to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can contribute to discoloration.
5. Touch-Ups: If you notice that your teeth are starting to yellow or stain again, consider getting touch-up treatments to maintain the whiteness of your teeth. If you have trays, keep your extra gel in the refrigerator to help it last longer.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

Whether you choose in-office teeth whitening or an at-home teeth whitening system is up to you. Call  DeAngelis Family Dentistry to determine the best teeth whitening option for your smile. Our team is excited to help you get the brighter teeth you’ve always wanted!