If you want a radiant, confidence-boosting smile, professional teeth whitening is an easy and effective solution. There are many benefits to professional tooth whitening, setting it apart from the many over-the-counter alternatives available. Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, both in-office and at-home options that provide professional results.
A whiter, healthy-looking smile can be a game-changer. Whether you’re heading for a job interview or preparing for your wedding day, teeth whitening is a way to boost your confidence and make a lasting impression.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a professional cosmetic dentistry procedure performed by or overseen by a dentist. The goal of the treatment is to lighten the color of your teeth or whiten them. This will naturally enhance your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Dr. Sangeeta Prathipati offers two types of professional teeth whitening, in-office and at-home.
Why Choose Professional Whitening Over Store-Bought Whitening Methods?
Walking into a store, you see the shelves flooded with teeth-whitening kits and products. However, several things set these products apart from professional teeth whitening. It is tempting to buy them since they are cheap and available, but professional teeth whitening offers more benefits.
Efficiency
Professional teeth whitening procedures use higher-concentration bleaching gels that yield faster and more effective results compared to over-the-counter products. They are more effective and will make your teeth whiter and brighter faster. Store-bought products are less effective and you may need to spend more money attempting to get the same results.
Customized Treatment
Dentists can tailor the whitening procedure to your needs, ensuring optimal results while minimizing sensitivity. This will ensure that your dentist addressed you specific concerns. Store-bought products are one-size-fits-all and may not provide the desired results.
Safety
Professional whitening treatments are overseen or performed by dental professionals. They can monitor you during the process and ensure your gums and oral tissues are protected. If they need to, they can adjust the strength of the whitening agents to ensure optimal results without causing harm. You take the risk of using store-bought products incorrectly which may lead to gum sensitivity and uneven results.
Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers two types of teeth whitening. We offer an in-office treatment at a treatment that you can do from the comforts of your own home.
In-office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening involves applying a high-concentration peroxide gel to the teeth after protecting the gums. The results are immediate and impressive. We offer the Zoom! tooth whitening system, one of the most popular methods to whiten teeth today. It uses a special light to activate the peroxide gel, resulting in brighter teeth in one session.
The Zoom! teeth whitening process is simple. Dr. Prathipati will first prepare your mouth by covering up your lips and gums in your tongue. Next, they will apply the whitening gel to your teeth. Then they will activate the gel with a special Zoom! light that will accelerate the whitening process. This cycle is repeated three times and lasts about 15 minutes each.
At-home Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening, supervised by a dentist, offers professional results without the commitment of in-office treatments. It is an ideal solution for busy patients who want to whiten their teeth at home. Our Flower Mound dental office offers Opalescence Go, a whitening kit that comes with pre-filled disposable trays. This treatment is flexible and comfortable for patients who want whiter teeth.
To use Opalescence Go, you simply open the pre-packaged upper and lower tray. Each one is pre-filled with a whitening gel. Place them on your teeth and gently bite down or press the tray against your teeth to secure it and spread the gel evenly. The outer tray will peel away, leaving the inner tray to whiten your teeth.
Follow directions from your dentist on how long to wear them and for how many days in a row. After the recommended wear time, remove the trays and rinse your mouth to remove any remaining gel. Clean your teeth gently to remove all the gel.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Why do my teeth discolor after dental trauma?
Teeth can discolor after dental trauma because the injury affects the inside of the tooth. When a tooth is hit or damaged, the blood vessels inside it might break, causing bleeding inside the tooth. This can make the tooth turn dark, gray, or even yellow. Sometimes, the tooth’s nerve can die after trauma, which also causes discoloration.
What are my options if teeth whitening doesn’t work?
If teeth whitening doesn’t work for you, don’t worry—you have other options to improve your smile. One option is dental bonding, where your dentist applies a tooth-colored material to cover up stains.
Another option is veneers, thin shells placed over the front of your teeth to make them look whiter and more even. Crowns are also a solution if you need to cover a tooth completely. Our dentist can help you decide which option is best for you based on your needs.
Can medications darken teeth?
Yes, some medications can darken your teeth. For example, certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, and medications for high blood pressure or allergies can cause tooth discoloration. If you notice your teeth becoming darker after starting a new medication, let our dentist know. He can help you find ways to improve the color of your teeth and discuss possible alternatives with your doctor if needed.
Why do some foods and drinks stain teeth?
Some foods and drinks stain teeth because they have strong colors or acids that can stick to the teeth. Things like coffee, tea, red wine, and some berries have dark pigments that can get into the tiny pores of your teeth and cause stains. Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits or soda, can also weaken the enamel, making it easier for stains to stick. Over time, these stains can build up and make your teeth look discolored.
Does take-home or in-office teeth whitening cost more?
In-office teeth whitening usually costs more than take-home teeth whitening. They are done by a dentist and use stronger whitening agents, which can give you quicker and more noticeable results. Take-home kits are less expensive and involve using whitening trays or strips at home over a longer period. The choice between them depends on your budget and how quickly you want to see results.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results can last 6 or more months depending on the type. Your habits and oral health care can also ensure your results last.
The results can last longer if you avoid foods and drinks that stain and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Regular dental checkups and cleanings also help keep your teeth looking white. If needed, touch-up treatments can extend the effects of whitening.
How do you keep teeth white?
Follow these tips to keep your teeth bright and white:
- Brush and floss every day
- Visit the dentist every six months for regular cleanings
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, like wine, coffee, tea, berries, and tomato sauces
- Minimize the consumption of acidic foods and drinks that can wear teeth down
- Drink water daily
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Does teeth whitening hurt your tooth enamel?
Teeth whitening is generally safe and doesn’t hurt your tooth enamel when done properly. Whitening products are designed to be gentle on your teeth. However, some people might experience some discomfort, especially if they have sensitive teeth. Follow the instructions carefully and talk to us if you have concerns.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
While DIY whitening kits might seem tempting with their lower prices, professional teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, is safer and more effective.
To book a consultation with Dr. Prathipati, call 972-848-8745. You can also request an appointment by filling out the online form.