Teeth Whitening – Jonesboro, AR

Does teeth whitening hurt?

No one wants to experience pain while in the dental chair, but there’s nothing to fear with teeth whitening. Modern whitening systems contain specially formulated solutions to penetrate the enamel through a comfortable process. If you’re prone to sensitivity, your cosmetic dentist in Jonesboro can customize the whitening treatment to prevent discomfort. If any sensitivity occurs, avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for a couple of days until the pain subsides. You can also use a desensitizing toothpaste to block pain signals.

How can I make my results last?

Your new smile can stay bright and beautiful for several months to years depending on your aftercare routine. The most effective way to maintain your results is through your oral hygiene routine. It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss nightly, and use an antimicrobial mouthrinse. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. You’ll want to be proactive to prevent new stains from occurring by limiting your smile’s exposure to darkly pigmented foods and drinks. If you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee, drink it through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth. If you have any stain-causing foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water to remove any lingering residue from your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist also recommends breaking poor dental habits to keep your pearly whites bright, like smoking.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

If you’re ready to stop feeling embarrassed by dark, stained teeth, you might be a candidate for a whitening treatment. You’ll require an initial consultation to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, while your cosmetic dentist learns more about your goals. After finding the cause of your discoloration, they’ll determine if teeth whitening will meet your needs. If you have any untreated dental issues, like cavities or gum disease, they’ll need to be treated before using a whitening system.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Unfortunately, teeth whitening isn’t permanent. Several factors influence the duration of your results, like how well you maintain your oral hygiene at home and if you attend regular cleanings and checkups. If you notice your smile starting to fade, ask your cosmetic dentist about a touch-up kit.

How long does a whitening treatment take?

You can get your smile up to 8 shades whiter with an in-office treatment. In about 1 hour, your teeth will be significantly whiter. If you prefer an at-home kit, you’ll reach the same results over the course of a couple of weeks. As each day passes, you’ll notice your teeth gradually getting lighter. No matter the method you choose, you can achieve the improvement you want quickly.

Does Teeth Whitening Harm Enamel?

Thankfully enough, teeth whitening doesn’t harm healthy enamel. It just makes this layer of your smile brighter, ensuring you have a nicer appearance.

The only exception to this fact is when you have compromised teeth. In that case, the whitening process could have unpleasant side effects like minor tooth sensitivity. (This likelihood increases if you have pre-existing cavities or gum disease.) A dentist will thus assess your smile before treatment; their doing so helps you avoid complications.

All that said, please consult your dentist before whitening your teeth. They’ll tell you whether your smile can handle treatment, provide suggestions on safe whiteners, and so on.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Whitening?

While they share similar goals, professional and store-bought whiteners differ in how they work. The result is that the "pro" approach is often the more effective one.

Store-bought whitening takes a very generic approach. In most stores and pharmacies, its products consist of one-size-fits-all trays, diluted brighteners, and other low-quality goods. Such items can only provide middling results at best, making a smile slightly brighter for a short period.

In contrast, “pro” whitening is tailored to your specific smile. The dentist ensures that much by performing a pre-treatment exam and assessing your teeth. It follows that professional whitening is quite safe and offers dramatic results, helping grins look six to eight shades lighter.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?

When done by a qualified dentist, “pro” teeth whitening is absolutely worth its cost. The treatment’s results more than make up for the required spending.

Remember, dentist-approved whitening has many concrete benefits. One example is how the treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t alter your tooth structure. Another is that “pro” whitening is very safe and easy, with a decreased likelihood of causing oral aches. Most crucial is the treatment’s effectiveness, as a dentist’s whiteners will make your teeth much brighter than before.

Whitening’s more abstract perks are also priceless. For example, a smile brightened by treatment will help you feel confident, let you make better first impressions, etc.

How Can I Find a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near Me?

You can often find a whitening dentist nearby through a quick Internet search. That said, please keep a few things in mind if you take this approach.

First is to pick someone with the appropriate training. If you want the brightest smile possible, your dentist should have prior knowledge of the whitening process and how it works. It’d be even better if they pursued continuing education and coursework on these subjects.

Next, remember to choose a well-reviewed dentist. A dental provider with bad reviews – whether online or not – isn’t likely to help you out much. On the other hand, a dentist who’s gotten great reviews and feedback will probably whiten your teeth effectively.