Teeth Whitening in Baton Rouge, LA
Tooth discoloration can be caused by dark-colored foods and drinks, tobacco use, certain medications, and aging. Your teeth will usually absorb the pigment from these staining agents over time, resulting in yellow or brown stains. Certain medications can also discolor teeth, and fluorosis, a disease that causes a mottling of enamel, can also affect the color of teeth. If you have stained or discolored teeth, a teeth whitening procedure can eliminate these issues and give you a bright smile.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive procedure used to brighten natural tooth enamel, remove stains and discoloration, and improve the appearance of teeth. There are several teeth whitening options available, including:
In-Office Treatment
This treatment is performed by a dentist and takes one dental appointment. The Dentist in Baton Rouge, LA applies a whitening agent to the surface of the teeth and then activates the agent using a special light or laser. The results are immediately visible.
At-Home Treatment
This treatment is provided by a dentist for at-home use. Patients are given a whitening gel and trays customized to fit their teeth. The gel and tray create an effective seal to prevent saliva from diluting the whitening agent. The teeth are exposed to this whitening agent for several hours per day over the course of two weeks.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips, Gels, and Toothpaste
These options contain bleaching agents to remove surface stains and whiten teeth but are less effective than professional options.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most desired and popular cosmetic dental treatments. It is safe and effective and can make a huge difference in the appearance of your smile. Most patients see results after just one visit. Professional teeth whitening can reverse stains, discoloration, and yellowing on teeth. It can make your smile brighter and whiter.
The Professional Teeth Whitening Process
Professional teeth whitening is a treatment performed by a dentist. It is a two-step process. The first step is a dental exam and teeth cleaning. During teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape away any plaque or tartar buildup from the visible surfaces of your teeth. Once the teeth have been cleaned and dried, the dental professional will apply a whitening gel to your teeth. This gel contains a high-concentration bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide, which is designed to brighten and whiten your smile.
Typically, the gel will remain on your teeth for about 15-20 minutes. A special light will also be used to activate the gel and lift the stains off of the teeth. After 15-20 minutes, the gel is rinsed off and reapplied. The procedure is repeated until the desired level of whitening is achieved. The dentist will monitor the whitening procedure to ensure that your teeth do not experience any sensitivity. The dentist will also take extra precautions to protect your gums from irritation.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. DIY Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is administered by a dental professional and hence, is safer than other teeth whitening methods. Besides, since the professional-grade whitening gel used in a professional teeth whitening process is more concentrated, it can lift any type of dental stain and improve the color of your teeth by 8-10 shades in less than an hour.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at College Family Dentistry, call (225) 926-4640 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 4616 Concord Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.