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Teeth Whitening Williamsport, PA

Teeth Whitening An Overview

Teeth whitening can be a quick, easy, and economical way to makeover your smile and erase years of tooth stains for a more youthful look.Cosmetic Dentist in Williamsport PA Dr. Kim offers professional teeth whitening that can provide results that are safer, longer-lasting, and more consistent when compared to over the counter options.

Dr. Kim will meet with you first to evaluate your overall dental health and discuss your cosmetic goals before your teeth whitening treatment. This is an important step, providing the opportunity to ensure that your tooth stains or discoloration will respond to a whitening treatment and that your teeth are clean and healthy for the best possible result.

For patients who have stains from medications, medical conditions or genetics that may not respond to a teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Kim may recommend alternatives for whitening your smile that can also provide permanent results. Alternative cosmetic dentistry treatments can include tooth bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is typically caused by the types of foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis. Foods like red berries, tomato-based sauces, and colorful candies can leave behind stains on your smile. Additionally, beverages like soda, tea, or juice can have similar effects. If you smoke, you are also more likely to notice tooth discoloration. Avoiding known stain-causing substances following your teeth-whitening treatment can help your results last longer. However, if you notice that your teeth begin to dull over time, you can always schedule another teeth whitening appointment. Some patients choose to schedule teeth whitening appointments once every six months to maintain the brightest versions of their smiles.

Teeth Whitening What to Expect

As your trusted cosmetic dentist in Williamsport, PA, Dr. Joyce Kim will first and foremost evaluate your smile to ensure that any underlying issues like dental decay are taken care of before we begin cosmetic treatment. Your dental health is important to us, and our goal is to help you maintain your dental health while also helping you achieve your cosmetic goals.

Once it is determined that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Kim will take impressions to create custom-fit bleaching trays for a personalized take-home teeth whitening kit. These trays will fit over your teeth like a mouthguard and will minimize gum irritation while delivering a consistent layer of bleaching agent to the teeth. Typically, the bleaching trays are worn for a specified period of time daily for a couple of weeks and the results will be gradual.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-The-Counter Options

Many patients ask us about the differences between our teeth-whitening trays and ones that they can buy at the grocery store. Our teeth-whitening trays are created custom to your smile. Unlike over-the-counter treatment options, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Many patients will find that over-the-counter options do not fit their smile appropriately, causing blotchy and irregular results. With customized whitening trays, we ensure that the bleaching solution hits all angles of your teeth and guarantee the results you are looking for with cosmetic dentistry.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

How many teeth whitening treatments will I need?

Every case is different. Dr. Kim will analyze your teeth and recommend a certain length of treatment. It depends on the stains on your teeth and how deep they are in the teeth.

Can teeth whitening hurt my teeth?

No, professional whitening treatments shouldn’t hurt your teeth. One of the main reasons professional treatments are better than over-the-counter solutions is that they’re designed to avoid the sensitivity that often comes with drugstore whitening products.

When is the best time to whiten my teeth?

With your at-home whitening treatment, we recommend you whiten your teeth before bed. It gives time for the treatment to set in and your teeth to rehydrate overnight. It also reduces the chances of more staining, since you won’t be eating and drinking for a while.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

The results of your teeth whitening procedure can last anywhere from six months to a few years. It depends on the individual, including their genetics and lifestyle habits. For example, if you’re a heavy coffee drinker, your teeth will stain again quicker than someone who doesn’t drink coffee.

What should I avoid after tooth whitening?

For the first 48 hours after tooth whitening, it’s crucial to avoid staining agents. When you whiten teeth, the pores in your tooth open, allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate the deeper layers of your tooth. These stay open for a while, making your teeth more vulnerable to stains at this time.

Should I get my teeth cleaned before teeth whitening?

Yes, the best time to whiten your teeth is when they’ve just been cleaned. If there’s plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth, the whitening gel can’t penetrate these areas. This leads to splotchy and uneven results.