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.