Life happens — even to our teeth! And sometimes, that means we end up with stained or yellow teeth, Are you looking for a quick and effective way to brighten your smile? We offer Opalescence teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Here we will discuss the benefits of professional teeth whitening and how Opalescence™ can transform your smile.
Key Takeaways
- Teeth become discolored due to various factors such as age, diet, and lifestyle habits.
- Professional teeth whitening offers superior results compared to over-the-counter options.
- Opalescence™ is a safe and effective professional teeth whitening option that can help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. It is available in both in-office and at-home treatments.
- Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene habits help maintain the results of professional teeth whitening.
The Structure of Teeth and Causes of Discoloration
Our teeth are made up of different layers, each important for their health and function. The outermost layer is the enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, which protects the inner layers from decay and damage.
Beneath the enamel is the dentin, a softer, yellowish tissue that forms most of the tooth. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the nerve endings in the pulp. The innermost layer is the pulp, which contains the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves.
Even though enamel is durable, it can stain over time and grows thinner as we age, exposing more of the dentin. This leads to a yellow or grey appearance of the teeth. Other factors that contribute to tooth discoloration include:
- Consumption of dark-colored food and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine
- Tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medications
Teeth Whitening
Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When considering teeth whitening options, it’s important to understand the differences between over-the-counter products and professional whitening treatments.
- Over-the-counter products: These include whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels. While these products can be effective to some extent, they only address the stains on the surface of the teeth, so they are not true whitening treatments. The results are not long-lasting, and they can cause permanent damage to the enamel and cause sensitivity.
- Professional teeth whitening: This type of whitening is performed by a dental professional using stronger bleaching agents and customized trays to ensure more effective and longer-lasting results. It also allows for a more personalized approach tailored to your specific needs. The products used reach the deeper layers of your teeth, resulting in a brighter and more evenly white smile.
Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening System
Opalescence is a leading professional teeth whitening system that uses a powerful bleaching gel to achieve a whiter smile. The system includes:
- Take-home tray or in-office treatment: Take-home trays are used for gradual, at-home whitening while in-office treatment is a quicker option for more immediate results.
- Custom-fabricated trays: Take-home trays are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring the even application of the whitening gel.
- Whitening gel: Contains carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which effectively breaks down tooth stains while protecting tooth enamel. Peroxide gels break down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules. These reactive oxygen molecules break down the bonds of discolored stain molecules through oxidation.
At Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics, we offer Opalescence teeth whitening as both an in-office and take-home option. We will assess your needs and determine the best course of treatment to achieve your desired results.
Benefits of Opalescence Teeth Whitening
- Vegan-no animal products used.
- Certified kosher and gluten-free.
- Safe for tooth enamel and effective at treating both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
- Contains potassium nitrate, which helps reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Results are long-lasting when proper oral hygiene and care are maintained.
In-Office Whitening Process
- Dental exam: Before starting any whitening process, a thorough dental exam is needed to ensure good oral health. We recommend having your teeth whitened within two months of having your teeth cleaned.
- Tooth shade assessment: Our team will assess the current shade of your teeth to determine the desired level of whiteness you would like to achieve. Keep in mind that dental restorations like dental crowns and fillings cannot be whitened. If your teeth have changed color and no longer match the color of your crown, you can have your natural teeth whitened to match the color of your crown.
- Isolation: A lip and cheek retractor is placed inside your mouth to keep your lips and tongue away from the whitening gel. A barrier will be placed around your gum line so that the whitening gel does not come in contact with your gums.
- Application of gel: The Opalescence gel is applied to your teeth with a brush and will remain on your teeth for 20 minutes.
- Removal of whitening gel: The whitening gel is suctioned off your teeth. Your dentist will evaluate the color of your teeth to see if another treatment is needed. You can have up to three 20-minute treatments in a single visit.
- Removal of barrier: After the final application, the barrier is removed.
Take-Home Trays
- Impressions & custom trays: Take-home trays are custom-fitted to your teeth. To do this, our team will take impressions/scans of your teeth. Once the trays are fabricated, you will return to the office to pick up your take-home kit.
- Load the tray: You will be giving prefilled syringes. To load whitening gel in your whitening trays, express one continuous bead of gel about halfway up on the front side of the tray from molar to molar. This will use about 1/2 to 1/3 of a syringe in each tray.
- Insert trays: Place the trays over the teeth and carefully press the trays into place. Gently wipe off any excess gel with a soft toothbrush. Leave the tray in for the recommended time from your dentist.
- Removal: After the recommended amount of time, remove the trays and brush your teeth to remove all the gel from the teeth. Brush your trays with your toothbrush and water. Store the trays in the case provided.
We also carry premade trays that come preloaded with whitening gel. They are the most cost-effective and efficient method of teeth whitening.
Keep Your Smile Bright and White
While professional teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your smile looking bright and white.
Here are a few tips to help maintain your white smile:
- Brush and floss regularly: Good oral hygiene is key to keeping your teeth healthy and white. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato-based sauces can cause stains on your teeth. Limiting or avoiding these items can help maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
- Use a straw: When drinking beverages that may stain your teeth, using a straw can help minimize contact between the liquid and your teeth.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings: Regular professional cleanings can help remove any surface stains and keep your teeth looking their best.
Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics: Your Trusted Dentist in Centennial, CO
Dr. Ava Khodakhast, our board-certified prosthodontist, is committed to helping you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. We offer a variety of cosmetic dental services to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Additional services
- Check-ups and cleanings
- Dental bonding
- Veneers and laminates
- Dental crowns
- Inlays and onlays
- Dental implants
- and more!
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey towards a brighter, whiter smile. If you are searching for ‘teeth whitening near me’, teeth whitening Centennial, or teeth whitening Highlands Ranch, we can help! Our office in Centennial, CO is conveniently located in Arapahoe County, just 5 miles from Douglas County.
Call (303) 770-2254 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
We charge $90 for the at-home system. Please call about the cost of in-office whitening.
Results will vary from person to person and depend largely on your diet and oral hygiene habits. On average, professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after teeth whitening before eating or drinking anything. This allows the whitening gel to fully absorb into the teeth and can help prevent any staining from food or drinks. It is also important to avoid consuming foods and beverages that may stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips, which is a common side effect. This can occur if the whitening strips are not properly applied or if they are left on for too long. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and only use the whitening strips for the recommended amount of time to avoid potential sensitivity. If you continue to experience sensitivity, it is best to consult with your dentist for further advice.
Yes, you can still whiten your teeth if you have sensitive teeth. It is important to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment to determine the best option for your individual needs. Avoid over-the-counter products and opt for professional treatments, as they can be better adjusted to accommodate for sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend using a desensitizing gel or toothpaste before or after whitening treatment to help alleviate any discomfort.
