Do you wish you had a brighter smile? To help our Austin, MN, patients enjoy their brightest possible smiles, we offer two very different professional teeth whitening options. In today’s blog, we’re talking about the differences between our in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments, and what you can do to keep your smile bright!
The Factors Behind Your Teeth Stains
First, let’s look at how teeth stains form. Did you know that consuming sugary foods and drinks, and beverages with dark pigments (like soda, tea, red wine, and coffee), could cause plaque buildup and stains to develop? Smoking and using tobacco products also discolor the teeth too. Lack of proper oral hygiene is also a factor, so you should continue to brush and floss daily to control plaque buildup, and see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning to remove all plaque. Making positive changes to your diet could also help your smile stay bright.
At-Home Whitening
Our at-home teeth whitening procedure helps limit tooth sensitivity and brighten smiles by several shades, targeting and removing serious causes of discoloration. We start with an initial office visit, in which we create a set of trays based on detailed impressions we take of your smile. We then send you home with the trays and a powerful bleaching gel. When you return home, you will fill the trays with gel and wear them for about a week to ten days, for 30 to 45 minutes a day. The trays helps ensure even results and prevents saliva from diluting the gel. You can also keep your trays and leftover gel for touch-ups down the road.
A Brighter Smile in Two Hours
Our in-office procedure offers fast results, removing stains in about one to two hours on average. The treatment involves placing a protective covering on the lips and gums. We then put the bleaching gel onto the surfaces of the teeth and activate the gel with a special light. For some, this means smiles brightened by multiple shades. If you need results quickly before a big event, this is the best option for you.
Now, if you have permanent teeth stains, which form beneath the outer layers of enamel, then teeth whitening may not be the best option. Instead, we may mask them using dental bonding or porcelain veneers. If you have any questions, then contact our team today!
AUSTIN, MN, DENTISTS OFFER COSMETIC DENTISTRY
We want to help you obtain a stunning and vibrant smile with our cosmetic treatment options. To learn more about our approach to cosmetic dentistry, then schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312. Our office welcomes patients from Austin, MN and surrounding communities.
