Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening
People have their teeth whitened on a regular basis so that they can look and feel great. As people age, it is common for teeth to become dull and yellow. This is in part due to age itself and also due to what a person eats and drinks. Drinking coffee, tea and wine, for example, can stain your teeth. Smoking and eating foods that contain food coloring can also stain your teeth. Brushing immediately after eating and drinking can help to prevent stains but is typically not enough to remove the risk entirely. Fortunately, stained and yellow teeth don’t have to stay that way. If you live in Pompano Beach or the local area, you can benefit from a teeth whitening procedure at our local dental office. At South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS, we are known for improving the appearance of our patients’ smiles. We often recommend a Take Home Opalescence kit. We also offer in-office procedures like Kör and Zoom, but we offer take-home kits as it can offer an easy at-home way to transform your smile.
Your Teeth Whitening Services May Include:
Frequently Asked Questions
How does teeth whitening at the dentist work?
At South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS, we can provide you with an in-office teeth whitening using a professional-grade whitening solution. This is an important distinction to make because the whitening kits that are sold in the store contain solutions that are not nearly as strong and will not produce the same level of results. Patients may also visit our office after trying a kit at home and wish they had come here first. The reason for the difference is that a store-bought solution will typically only remove the surface stains from the teeth. This can help to eliminate some of the stains caused by recent food or beverage consumption. It will not remove the deep staining and discoloration that is coming from within the tooth, but our solution will.
Why does teeth whitening at the dentist produce better results?
It all comes down to oxidation. When we place whitening solution on your teeth it will not stop at the enamel, but penetrate it. Once inside of your tooth, our solution will work to start the process of oxidation so that the molecules inside of your teeth will reflect less light. By appearing colorless, your teeth will look like a brilliant shade of white.
How long does it take?
When you visit our Pompano Beach dental office for teeth whitening, we will prepare your teeth and protect your lips, gum tissue and cheeks. We will then apply the whitening solution and give it time to be activated. Typically, it only takes an hour from the time you sit in the dental chair to when you are able to leave. The solution will begin to take effect during this time and your teeth will show an immediate improvement.
Can anyone have their teeth whitened?
At South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS, we recommend whitening procedures for adults and some older teens. This is not an appropriate procedure for children and, fortunately, they very rarely need it. Before determining if someone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, we conduct a thorough examination. This is to determine if there are any signs of cavities, infection or gum disease. These oral health problems require treatment prior to conducting any cosmetic dentistry procedures. This is to ensure that we are not putting whitening solution on a tooth that is decaying or exposed. Naturally, this could cause you discomfort and only exacerbate the situation. Fortunately, if we do find any oral health problems, we can correct them quickly and schedule you for a teeth whitening treatment right away.
How frequently can I schedule a teeth whitening at the dentist?
When you visit our dental office, we will examine your teeth, look for signs of erosion and discuss your overall treatment plan. In most cases, you can have your teeth whitened every six to twelve months. This is true if the teeth are healthy. If they are not healthy, sensitive, or eroding, we may recommend that you only have your teeth whitened once per year.
How can I keep my teeth white after a treatment?
At South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS we tell patients that there are plenty of ways to extend the time periods between whitening treatments. These include drinking plenty of water and doing so every time that you eat or have another beverage like coffee. You should also brush your teeth after every meal or after having something that is particularly staining. It is important to avoid any food or drinks that have food coloring in them, are acidic, full of tannins, etc. Things like coffee, red wine, and soy sauce can be particularly bad for your teeth, so consume them in moderation only.
Does whitening toothpaste really work?
As a dentist, we recommend that you use a whitening toothpaste in between treatments. This paste can help to keep surface stains at bay so that your teeth will remain whiter for a longer period of time. It does an excellent job when it comes to maintenance. It does not, however, do a good job of whitening teeth the first go round. In this case, it may make your teeth appear brighter but you will not experience stain removal or see your teeth lighten by more than a shade or two. This is because the paste only works on the surface.
Is teeth whitening at the dentist expensive?
No, not at all. This is an incredibly affordable treatment solution and typically, the most affordable way to improve the appearance of the teeth and your smile. As a dental office, we recommend this solution for anyone considering a smile makeover or more intensive cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental veneers and dental crowns. Very often, a dental whitening treatment can make such a positive impact that people no longer need these more invasive solutions. Since it is fast and affordable, there is no reason not to try it.
Does it matter when I whiten my teeth?
Absolutely. First, your teeth and gums should be in good oral health. Second, if you are having a cosmetic procedure like dental veneers placed on your front teeth or a tooth capped or replaced, you should have your teeth whitened first. For the most part, dental restorations are both stain and bleach resistant. They are created to match your surrounding teeth so if you wait to have your teeth whitened until after a restoration has been placed, your restoration could look more yellow than your teeth do after the whitening treatment. When it comes to teeth whitening, timing is critical for ensuring a beautiful smile.
