5 of Your Most Common Questions Answered About Professional Teeth Whitening

Summer is coming, and that means plenty of social occasions that will probably involve picture-taking. Whether you want to whiten your teeth for a wedding or you just want brighter teeth for photographs, we recommend professional teeth whitening at our Pikesville, MD cosmetic dentistry office. 

At Naylors Court Dental Partners, we use the Zoom whitening system. We like Zoom because of its quickness and effectiveness for most people. But before you make a decision about undergoing teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure, take a look at the answers to some of the common questions we get about teeth whitening. 

How Does the Zoom Teeth Whitening System Work? 

The first step in the process is to put a protective cover over your lips and gums so only your teeth are exposed during the procedure. This greatly lessens the amount of sensitivity that can sometimes result from the whitening process.  

Next, your dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth, letting it remain for about 15 minutes. Then a special lamp is used to remove the deep-seated stains from your teeth. This process will be repeated several times, and in about an hour, you’ll have whiter and brighter teeth. 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe? 

Under the care of a professional, teeth whitening is completely safe.  

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent? 

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and you will need to touch up your smile several months after the procedure. You can do a lot to help your teeth stay whiter for a longer amount of time by avoiding habits such as drinking coffee, tea, wine, and other staining beverages, and avoiding staining foods such as curries and berries. If you smoke or use tobacco products, this will also add stains to your teeth. 

Can I Whiten Fillings, Crowns, and Other Restorations? 

No; professional teeth whitening is made to whiten tooth enamel only. Whenever possible, it’s best to whiten teeth after undergoing a tooth restoration. 

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Better Than Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Systems? 

You will enjoy more consistent results with professional teeth whitening than with over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips. The whitening gel your dentist uses is more powerful, so your results will be quicker and more obvious. Over-the-counter products tend to remove surface stains only, whereas professional whitening gets below the surface to provide better results. 

Call Naylors Court Dental Partners for Cosmetic Dentistry in Pikesville, MD 

Summer is almost here, so make sure you are sporting your best smile. We welcome your call to our Pikesville, MD general and cosmetic dentistry practice. We offer the procedures you need to give you something to smile about. Call today!