Teeth Whitening

You know that your dentist and good oral healthcare can help you to keep your teeth healthy and functional. But just how much do you know about what cosmetic dentistry can offer you? Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that offers a focus on the aesthetic improvement of your smile. While most cosmetic procedures are elective, there are some situations where the treatments can be considered to have restorative benefits.

Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Ionescu, each considered to be the best dentist in Parker CO, can offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions to help you to achieve your aesthetic goals.

There are several cosmetic solutions you may benefit from. We’ve assembled a list of the top five popular cosmetic solutions to help you to get that white and bright smile that you deserve.

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures. Also known as teeth bleaching, this treatment can be done by using our take-home teeth whitening trays. While there are many over the counter teeth bleaching products, they are not always the safest and most effective way of getting the results that you’re hoping to achieve.

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, says whitening your teeth should be done only after your teeth have been cleaned professionally and thoroughly. Teeth can become stained from the foods and drinks we enjoy, and also sometimes from the medications that we take. In-office treatments can help you to see the results that you’re looking for.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers use a form of dental bonding to adhere thin ceramic shells to the natural teeth. Each of the veneers is custom-made to fit your teeth so that you are assured of the best fit. Veneers can resolve several cosmetic concerns, including cracked and damaged enamel, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth.

Patients can use veneers to take their smile several shades whiter, which is often the reason patients opt for this cosmetic solution.

Replacing Older Fillings

Today’s dental solutions for cavities typically use tooth-colored fillings that are blended to match the shade of the natural tooth. Older style fillings were often made from metal and can prove to be very visible in your mouth when you smile. Replacing old metal fillings with white fillings is one of the quickest ways for you to transform your smile.

Implants, Permanent Solutions

Dental implants are a permanent replacement for the root of a tooth that has been extracted or lost. A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jaw, replacing the missing tooth. The post will serve as the anchor for a prosthetic tooth or a crown. Once the healthy bone in the jaw has fused to the implant, the implant is secured permanently. Implants should be cleaned just as you would clean your natural teeth, to keep your surrounding natural teeth healthy and to promote positive gum health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Braces can help to resolve several concerns with bite and jaw alignment, but they can also offer cosmetic solutions for those who may have slightly misaligned teeth. Many adults opt to consider their orthodontic options once they have resolved other concerns with their teeth. There are several options, including discreet braces that are almost invisible once in place.

When visiting with a cosmetic dentist, Parker CO patients should take the time to ask the questions that will help them to make the right decisions to meet their cosmetic goals. Remember that cosmetic treatments cannot typically be considered until any functional concerns with the teeth have been addressed.

Teeth Whitening Instructions for Our Take-Home Kit

When you receive your take-home teeth whitening kit provided by Green Dental Care, the package will contain various items, such as a number of syringes containing a whitening (bleaching) gel, custom dental trays and instructions on how to use the kit for best results. Here is a summarized version of what you need to know to get the best teeth whitening outcomes.

Dental Work

The teeth whitening gel will neither whiten (bleach) nor harm any artificial dental work in your mouth, such as crowns, fillings, caps, and bridges. The bleaching compound will only work on your natural teeth.

It is therefore wise for you to skip putting any whitening gel on the part of the dental tray that will cover the teeth with artificial dental work on them. Dr. Green suggests that you consider having any dental work redone so that its appearance matches your new look after whitening your natural teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about tooth sensitivity and teeth whitening kits. Dr. Dhoon says that the chances are high that your gums and teeth will become sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure while you are whitening your teeth. Discontinue the teeth whitening process if the sensitivity is more than mild. Resume bleaching the teeth after a few days if you notice that the sensitivity has subsided.

For preventive purposes, you could brush with Sensodyne as a precaution to prevent sensitivity from developing. Alternatively, you can talk to Dr. Green, a dentist near Parker CO, about using a desensitizing gel after every teeth whitening session. The desensitizing gel is applied following the same procedure that is used for the teeth whitening product.

Storage

Parker dental care professionals recommend that you store the teeth whitening gel in the refrigerator. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of the gel from one to two years. You can, therefore, use the stored gel months later when you want to touch up some teeth that have developed stains. You can also keep the bleaching gel in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight. Don’t freeze the teeth whitening gel.

Prior to Teeth Whitening Treatment

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before you start using the teeth whitening kit. This will allow the bleaching gel to adhere to the teeth properly for the best results.

It is also prudent for you to try on the custom tray to confirm that it fits well before you add the gel to the tray.

Also, ensure that the whitening tray is clean and dry before you place any whitening gel on it. Dr. Green explains that moisture interferes with the effectiveness of the gel and increases the bleaching time.

Applying the Teeth Whitening Gel

Add just a tiny dab (the size of a grain of rice) of the whitening gel in the portion corresponding to the teeth which you want to whiten. As earlier stated, skip the teeth with any dental work since the gel will not whiten them. Also, it may be wasteful for you to whiten the back teeth since they aren’t visible when you smile. Don’t try to spread the gel in the tray; this will happen on its own once you wear the tray.

Inserting the Bleaching Tray

Insert the bleaching tray gently over the teeth. Make sure that the tray sits firmly over the teeth. Wipe away any excess gel that seeps out to your gums. Otherwise, your gums will be burnt by the gel.

Wearing Time

Dr. Green recommends that you wear the teeth whitening tray for 2-4 hours each day. Do this for 10-14 days. This wearing time will be sufficient to give you the desired results. After wearing the tray for the recommended duration, refrain from consuming any substance, such as coffee, which may stain your teeth.

Experienced Parker dental care experts also advise patients to keep the custom trays even if they have obtained the results that they wanted. This is because the same trays can be used later on to touch up any tooth or teeth that develop stains. You will therefore simply buy more bleaching gel if what you have runs out.

After a Teeth Whitening Session

After keeping the whitening tray in your mouth for 2-4 hours, remove it and rinse your teeth. Brush away any gel remaining on your teeth. Brush and floss as usual during the days when you are whitening your teeth.

Caring for Your Custom Teeth Whitening Trays and Gel

Use a Q-tip/toothbrush and cold water to clean the custom dental tray after wearing it. Thereafter, place the tray inside the tray holder. Place the gel in the refrigerator as earlier recommended.

Warnings and Precautions

The specific instructions (how long to wear the tray, for example) may vary depending on the product that Dr. Green recommends based on your unique requirements. Adhere to the guidelines given to you, rather than those you read elsewhere.

Don’t use the whitening tray if you are pregnant or when breastfeeding. Desist from smoking, eating, or drinking anything while the dental bleaching tray is in your mouth. Needless to say, keep the bleaching gel out of reach of children.

Still, have more questions about whitening your teeth at home using a kit provided by a dentist? Call Green Dental Care today or schedule an appointment so that all your questions and concerns can be adequately addressed.

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