Teeth whitening is a quick, painless, and economical smile makeover that can not only take years off of your smile, but also give you a confidence boost. Perfect for those special occasions when you want to put your “best smile forward”, a teeth whitening procedure is fast and effective for most patients and can restore a youthful smile to teeth that have darkened with age.
Dr. Westermann offers take-home professional teeth whitening for a brighter, whiter smile that will last for several years with proper dental care and lifestyle habits. After assessing your oral health, Dr. Westermann will determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, discuss expected results, and schedule a visit to start your treatment. Within 2 weeks, you will see teeth that are up to 8 shades whiter.
Teeth Whitening: What To Expect
Take-home teeth whitening requires a brief visit to our Louisville, KY, dentist office to take impressions of your teeth. These will be used to create custom-fit bleaching trays for daily use according to the specific instructions that Dr. Westermann will provide.
Your kit will contain professional bleaching products that will minimize sensitivity, maximize results, and provide consistent coverage when compared to over-the-counter options.
Professional Whitening Vs. Over-The-Counter
With professional teeth whitening, you get things that you can’t get with drugstore solutions. Over-the-counter whitening tools can somewhat improve your smile, but they don’t offer the best results.
To start, getting whitening products from the dentist is the only way you can get the strongest solutions available. Their highly concentrated whitening agents can penetrate the enamel more deeply and effectively. The stronger products aren’t available to the public because they can cause sensitivity and problems if they’re used too often. It’s important to use them safely, following the directions Dr. Westermann will give you.
Having a dentist guiding treatment means that it’s customized to meet your needs. Dr. Westermann can determine a treatment plan that’s safe for your smile and gives you the desired results without damaging your enamel. Dr. Westermann can also give advice about the shades of white that will look best, ensuring that your smile doesn’t look unnatural.
The whitening trays we give you are custom-made to fit your smile exactly. They ensure even coverage and keep saliva from interfering with the treatment process. Over-the-counter products are made to appeal to the largest range of customers possible, often being one-size-fits-all. This can lead to coverage that’s patchy and uneven. You’re also more likely for the bleaching agent to come into contact with your soft tissue, leading to pain and sensitivity.
The results you see from professional teeth whitening last longer than drugstore products as long as you maintain diligent oral healthcare routines. Over-the-counter products produce results that tend to fade quickly. You then have to buy more products to keep up with your smile. Using these over-the-counter solutions too much can also increase the likelihood of pain and sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the whitening process, we have answers. Read on to find out the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions patients have about professional whitening.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for teeth whitening?
You’re likely a good candidate if you have healthy teeth and gums with surface stains from food, drinks, or smoking. Whitening works best on natural teeth, not restorations. If you have cavities, gum disease, or very sensitive teeth, you may need treatment first. We can assess your teeth and recommend the safest course of action.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
It can cause temporary sensitivity, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. The effect usually lasts a few days and goes away on its own. Using a sensitivity toothpaste and spacing out treatments can help. Your dentist can also adjust the strength of the whitening gel if needed.
Can whitening damage my enamel over time?
When done properly under dental supervision, whitening does not damage enamel. Overusing or using high-strength products too often can irritate gums or increase sensitivity. Stick to recommended products and follow your dentist’s guidance. This keeps your enamel safe while getting good results.
Can teeth whitening remove deep or intrinsic stains?
Whitening is most effective on surface stains. Deep or intrinsic stains, such as those caused by trauma or certain medications, may not respond well to treatment. In these cases, options like veneers or bonding may be better. A dentist can evaluate the type of stain and suggest the right solution.
How long will the whitening results last?
Whitening results typically last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on your habits and oral care routine. Coffee, tea, and tobacco can cause stains to return more quickly. Regular brushing and flossing help maintain your results longer. Many patients find that occasional touch-up treatments every few months help maintain their bright smile. Your dentist can recommend a customized maintenance plan based on your specific staining tendencies.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental restorations, such as crowns or veneers?
With whitening treatments, you can whiten your natural teeth. However, dental restorations like crowns and veneers will not change color. This can create a noticeable mismatch if your natural teeth become lighter than your restorations. Some patients choose to whiten first, then replace older restorations to match their new tooth color. Professional whitening can still be beneficial if your restorations are in less visible areas or if matching them is not a major concern.
For additional information and pricing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Westermann or discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals during your next routine visit to our office.