Help Your Smile Shine Brighter
Over time, tooth enamel can become stained for a number of different reasons, from diets that are heavy in coffee and wine to unavoidable factors like genetics and age. At Framingham Family Dental Care, our doctors are always happy to help patients refresh their look and achieve a better, brighter smile with ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening. This service comes in multiple forms that can be selected based on your personal preferences, and the results are always dramatically beautiful. Contact our Framingham, MA location today to schedule a first visit!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth develop stains for a variety of reasons, but the most common by far are extrinsic stains (or stains that develop due to external factors). This means eating food or drinking beverages that are richly pigmented and stick to the naturally porous surfaces of enamel. Intrinsic stains, however, can also develop. These are usually due to issues like genetics or consuming too many antibiotics at a young age. Regardless of the type of stains you have, teeth whitening is ideal for those looking to give their smile a boost and feel more confident in personal and professional settings.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by opening the pores of enamel to allow powerful bleaching solutions inside the outer layers of teeth. Your two options for whitening include in-office and take-home treatments, both of which have their own unique benefits. We utilize ZOOM! teeth whitening products at Framingham Family Dental Care. Read on to learn which option is right for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Is speed a priority for you when choosing a teeth whitening procedure? Do you have an important event coming up where you’d love to look your very best? In-office whitening could be the best option! This process only takes an hour of your time, during which our doctors will combine professional-strength bleaching gel with a special light that enhances its whitening properties. When we’re finished, your smile should be anywhere from six to ten shades whiter, and we’ll provide you with a take-home kit as well for regular touch-ups at home.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Of course, some patients don’t want to drastically change their smile overnight. Instead, they’d prefer to gradually improve it in the comfort of their own home and on their own schedule. In this case, a take-home kit can work wonders.
Our doctors will provide you with a supply of potent whitening gel, oral trays that are customized for your unique mouth, and all the instructions you’ll need. Your job is then to wear the two components together as directed each day. This can be done whenever you have the free time, whether you’re getting ready for work in the morning or watching your favorite TV show at night after the kids are fast asleep. Many patients see improvement after only one application, with the most dramatic changes occurring after a few weeks of diligent use.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Like many cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening is an investment you’re going to want to take time to maintain. This includes coming back to the office for the occasional touch-up every several months or so, but it mainly requires performing routine oral hygiene at home. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and floss once a day. Do your best to avoid eating or drinking an excessive amount of anything that can easily stain teeth. Using a straw to redirect richly pigmented fluids away from teeth (i.e. coffee, wine, dark teas, etc.) can also help retain your results.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What kind of teeth whitening treatments are offered at Framingham Family Dental Care?
Dr. Arvi Duka offers professional-grade teeth whitening treatments that are far more effective than over-the-counter products. These treatments are designed to brighten your smile by several shades in a short amount of time. Options may include in-office whitening for rapid results and take-home trays that are custom-fitted for comfort and effectiveness. Each option is designed to safely lift stains and discoloration while preserving your enamel.
How does in-office teeth whitening work, and how long does it take?
In-office whitening involves applying a powerful yet safe bleaching gel to your teeth, which is then activated, often with a special curing light or laser. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and many patients notice a visibly whiter smile after just one session. Dr. Duka closely monitors the process to ensure your gums remain protected and the whitening results are consistent across all visible teeth.
Is teeth whitening safe for everyone?
Professional whitening at Framingham Family Dental Care is generally safe for most adults with healthy teeth and gums. However, Dr. Arvi Duka will first perform a comprehensive dental exam to make sure whitening is right for you. Patients with untreated decay, gum inflammation, or extreme sensitivity may need preliminary care before starting a whitening regimen to ensure a comfortable and successful outcome.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Temporary tooth sensitivity is a common side effect, especially in the first few hours after whitening. However, the products used at Framingham Family Dental Care are designed to minimize this issue, and Dr. Duka may recommend special fluoride or sensitivity-reducing toothpaste both before and after treatment. Most patients find that any discomfort is mild and fades within 24 to 48 hours.
How long do the results of professional teeth whitening truly last?
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on your oral hygiene practices and lifestyle choices. To maintain your brighter smile, avoid dark-colored foods and beverages such as red wine, coffee, and soy sauce. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and attending regular cleanings with Dr. Duka also help keep your smile looking its best. Touch-up treatments can be scheduled as needed for ongoing brightness.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?
Whitening agents are effective on natural tooth enamel but do not alter the color of porcelain crowns, fillings, or veneers. If you have visible dental restorations, Dr. Arvi Duka will assess your smile and help you decide whether whitening is the right step. In some cases, you may choose to replace older restorations after whitening to better match your natural teeth.
How is professional whitening better than store-bought kits?
While store-bought kits may offer minor results, they often lack precision and use weaker whitening agents. At Framingham Family Dental Care, you’ll benefit from medical-grade whitening formulas, custom-fitted trays, and expert supervision from Dr. Duka. This combination provides more noticeable results, reduces sensitivity risk, and ensures the process is safe and tailored to your specific dental needs.
Brighten Your Smile with Professional Whitening
A bright, white smile can enhance your self-esteem and create a memorable impact. Framingham Family Dental Care offers professional teeth whitening procedures that effectively and safely eliminate tough stains from coffee, tea, wine, or the aging process. Unlike store-bought products, our whitening solutions deliver noticeable, longer-lasting results under the care of dental professionals. Imagine revealing a bright smile at work, in photos, and everyday life. There's no reason to settle for dull or discolored teeth when a beautiful, refreshed smile is just one appointment away. Call Framingham Family Dental Care today at (508) 665-2016 to schedule your teeth whitening treatment and enjoy the confidence of a brighter, healthier-looking smile.
