Teeth Whitening in Detroit, MI

Out of all the cosmetic dental treatments currently available, teeth whitening is consistently one of the most requested at dentist offices in America. In fact, a survey by the American Association of Orthodontists found that almost 90 percent of patients ask for this treatment. This is because professional tooth whitening is a very quick way to make your smile look remarkably better—just in time for important social and professional engagements. Learn more about what this popular cosmetic treatment entails.

Why Get Your Teeth Whitened?

Our teeth are naturally the color of a white eggshell, but as time goes on that color changes due to eating and drinking foods that stain the enamel. Patients who are regular smokers also often develop stains on the teeth due to the tar in cigarettes. In-office teeth whitening by a dentist is usually the only reliable way to get rid of stubborn stains. Having a white smile is important to people because it makes them look younger and healthier.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are two main options for having your teeth professionally whitened. Your dentist can provide you with a take-home tray that you’ll wear over the course of a few weeks. But the best option, if you want to see a significant smile improvement, is to just have your dentist whiten your teeth in the office. The process takes about 60-90 minutes and leaves your teeth looking up to four shades whiter.

Professional Whitening Methods

Professional whitening makes use of high-concentration bleaching gels that are not available over the counter.

In-Office Whitening 

This technique offers the fastest results with the most powerful whitening solutions available. First, your gums and tooth-root surfaces will be covered with a protective barrier to ensure your safety. A thin plastic device known as a retractor will hold your lips and cheeks away from your teeth as a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied. The gel will be left on for about an hour. When it is removed, the results will be obvious immediately.

Take-Home Whitening 

This is another effective way to whiten your teeth, though you will play a greater role in ensuring the best possible results and several weeks may be needed to achieve your desired level of whiteness. First, a mold of your teeth will be taken and then two thin, flexible plastic mouth trays will be custom-made for you — one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and then position the trays over your teeth. The trays are left in usually for about an hour at a time.

Caring for Your Whitened Smile

There are lots of things you can do to make sure your whitening results last as long as possible, and this will vary from person to person (six months to two years or even longer). First of all, please maintain your usual, conscientious routine of brushing and flossing every day, and keep up with your regular schedule of professional cleanings at the dental office. Avoid foods and beverages that stain, including red wine, tea and coffee. If you smoke, use your newly whitened teeth as an impetus to quit — a good idea in any event! A minor touch-up every so often, either at home or at the dental office, can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years.

Ready for a brighter, whiter smile? Grand River Family Dentistry provides safe, effective teeth whitening treatments.
Call our Detroit, MI dental office at 313-535-2273 today to make an appointment!