IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING FROM LAS VEGAS, NV DENTIST

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING FROM LAS VEGAS, NV DENTIST

By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: October 11, 2019

Everyone has seen the options for tooth whitening available these days—walking down the oral health care aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy, you are inundated with tooth whitening strips, trays, and toothpastes. Before grabbing one of those products on your next trip to the store, we encourage you to read these important facts about teeth whitening from Las Vegas, NV dentist Dr. Christopher Lim so you can make an informed decision about whether to whiten your teeth and which whitening treatment is right for you.
 

TEETH WHITENING HAS SEVERAL BENEFITS

The benefits of teeth whitening go beyond just having whiter, brighter teeth. White teeth signal to others that you are full of health and vitality and it can take years off your appearance. Having confidence in your smile can have many benefits when you are in work or social situations as well – it can help others perceive you as more outgoing, friendly, and competent.
 

TOOTH DISCOLORATION CAN BE CAUSED BY MORE THAN JUST WHAT YOU EAT

While eating and drinking foods and beverages that are deeply pigmented, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and pasta sauce can all contribute to tooth staining, there are several other factors that can lead to yellow, dull, or discolored teeth:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Age – the enamel thins as we get older and the yellowish dentin beneath the enamel begins to show

• Traumatic injury – teeth react to injuries by forming more dentin, which can contribute to a yellowed appearance

• Medications such as tetracycline, antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs

• Excessive fluoride consumption
   

PROFESSIONAL WHITENING IS SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE

The two things that set professional tooth whitening treatments apart from over-the-counter options are the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. In-office whitening and take-home trays from your dentist are designed specifically to keep the whitening gel where it should be – on your teeth. With over-the-counter trays and strips, the whitening product can get all over your gums or the roof of your mouth, where it can cause sores and irritation. Over-the-counter whitening products are not as tightly regulated and may be unsafe for ingestion. In addition, professional-grade hydrogen peroxide treatments simply work better and provide more dramatic results.
 

YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL TOOTH WHITENING

At Hillside Dental, we understand that no two patients are alike, which is why we provide more than one tooth whitening treatment option.

In-office tooth whitening treatments can provide amazing results in a very short amount of time and are typically the best choice for patients who have severe tooth discoloration. Our skilled team first protects your gums and other soft tissues and then gently applies a strong hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent to your teeth that is much more effective than over-the-counter whitening agents. We then use a special light that activates the hydrogen peroxide so that it can quickly and effectively break down the stains within your enamel and dentin for dramatic results. In one treatment session, your teeth can be lightened up to eight shades!

Take-home trays with professional-grade whitening gel are another popular option among our patients. This method provides more gradual whitening from the comfort of your home. We create custom-fitted trays to comfortably and safely hold the whitening gel, and then give you detailed instructions on how to use the trays and gel for the best results. Take-home trays can also be handy later if you need to do touch-up treatments to maintain your white smile.

While professional tooth whitening treatments are highly effective for many patients, there are some instances in which teeth have become permanently discolored and will not respond to the whitening treatment. In addition, tooth whitening will not lighten dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have a restoration towards the front of your smile or permanent discoloration, don’t despair! Dr. Lim can work with you to determine the best path towards beautiful, white teeth. In some cases, replacing your dental restoration and custom matching it to your newly whitened teeth is the best choice. For patients with severely discolored teeth, porcelain veneers can be a great option for hiding the discoloration with natural-looking results.
 

A BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL SMILE

If you are ready to dazzle your friends, coworkers, and family with your beautiful, pearly white smile, we encourage you to call Hillside Dental today to learn more about which teeth whitening options might be right for you. New patients can reach our Las Vegas, NV office at (702) 666-8584. If you are an existing patient, ask us about tooth whitening at your next check-up or call us at to schedule your consultation!