Teeth Whitening in Livonia, MI
Aging, genetics, diet, and oral hygiene habits can all have an impact on the appearance of your smile, specifically on the color and brightness of your teeth. If your teeth look dull, yellow, or discolored, teeth whitening in Livonia, MI, can help restore the brightness of your smile and boost your confidence. Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry service we offer here at Livonia Dentistry. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn if it’s the right treatment for you.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are many factors that can affect the color and appearance of your smile. Aging, certain medications, and genetics can all discolor your teeth, but the factors that have the biggest impact are your diet, tobacco use, and your dental hygiene routine. Regularly brushing and flossing the teeth and getting professional cleanings twice per year will help to remove plaque, tartar, and buildup from the teeth, keeping them brighter and whiter. Additionally, consuming a healthy diet while avoiding tooth-staining foods like red wine, coffee and tea, berries, soda, and tomato sauce, will help reduce staining.
Highly pigmented and acidic foods and beverages are the most likely to discolor your teeth. When you do consume these foods, rinse your mouth with water right after eating, and consider using a straw for beverages like coffee, tea, and soda. Avoid all types of tobacco products to reduce staining and improve your overall health.
Types of Professional Whitening Treatments
When it comes to teeth whitening, professional treatment is best for ensuring your safety and getting the best results. There are two basic types of professional teeth whitening to choose from:
- In-Office Whitening – In-office whitening will lift your smile several shades in just one visit. With this treatment, your gums are covered with a protective barrier, and then a retractor is put in place to hold your lips and cheeks safely away from the teeth and expose all tooth surfaces. We’ll then apply a high-concentration bleaching gel that is left in place for about one hour. Laser teeth whitening works the same way but uses a special light to activate the bleaching gel and reduce your treatment time while enhancing your results.
- At-Home Whitening Kits – At-home whitening kits are customized for you by the dentist, and they are much more effective than over-the-counter whitening solutions you might find at the drug store. These kits include flexible plastic trays that are filled with whitening gel. You’ll need to use the kit several times over a longer period to achieve your desired results. At-home whitening is ideal for sensitive teeth whitening or for cases in which staining and discoloration are minor.
The Teeth Whitening Process
The process will depend on the teeth whitening procedure you choose, but with both in-office and at-home whitening kits, the surface of the teeth will be lightened with a bleaching solution that helps to lift stains and lighten the overall shade of your teeth. You may need repeated treatments every 6-12 months to maintain your results.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening offers numerous benefits. Here’s a closer look at why many patients choose professional teeth whitening:
- Safe treatment that protects the soft tissues of the mouth and reduces the risk of errors common with over-the-counter whitening treatments
- Quick and dramatic results
- Customizable treatment tailored to your needs and goals
- Improved confidence in your smile
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
When you visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening, the procedure is very safe. Common risks include tooth sensitivity, irritation of the gums and other soft tissues, and uneven whitening. Your dentist can mitigate these risks and ensure that treatment is safe and effective.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Teeth whitening is appropriate for almost any adult who wants to improve the appearance of their smile. However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions. It may also not be the right treatment if you have other cosmetic issues with your smile, such as crowding, gaps between the teeth, or chipped or cracked teeth. For these cases, porcelain veneers may be a better option.
Other Dental Services We Offer
Livonia Dentistry offers all the dental care you need under one roof. We provide dentistry services for patients of all ages, with a wide range of cosmetic dental services available:
- Invisalign® Clear Aligners
- Porcelain Veneers
Why Choose Livonia Dentistry for Cosmetic Dentistry
Livonia Dentistry is the preferred choice for patients in Livonia, MI, because we provide personalized care from knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who care about giving you the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your cosmetic dental care needs and teeth whitening treatment.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening will last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your lifestyle and aftercare routine. To maintain your results, avoid common tooth-staining foods for 48 hours after your treatment and then continue to follow a sensible diet and oral hygiene routine. No, teeth whitening is not painful. It is a non-invasive treatment, and when done correctly, the whitening solution will not come into contact with any sensitive soft tissues in the mouth. Teeth whitening cannot fix all types of discoloration. It only addresses stains on the surface, so deep-set stains from trauma or certain medications may need alternative treatment. Additionally, whitening will not change the shade of any dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings.