Teeth Whitening – Worcester, MA
Achieve a Perfect Set of Pearly Whites
Having a smile that looks healthy and youthful is something that everyone wants. Unfortunately, many people are ashamed of the stains that can develop on their teeth as a result of certain habits, foods, and drinks. You may have tried over-the-counter teeth whitening products, but more often than not, they didn’t work as you had hoped. Even if these solutions don’t work, there’s still hope for you to achieve a perfect set of pearly whites. With professional teeth whitening in Worcester, our dentists here at University Dental Group can blast away stubborn tooth stains and leave you smiling brightly. Give us a call today to learn more.
Why Choose University Dental Group for Teeth Whitening?
- Tackle Stubborn Tooth Stains
- Achieve Results Safely and Quickly
- Smile with Complete Confidence
Why Do Teeth Become Stained?
There are two kinds of stains that can develop on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains only occur on the surface of the tooth. They develop as a result of general enamel erosion, tobacco use, or overconsumption of richly pigmented foods and beverages like tea, coffee, wine, and darkly colored sauces. Sometimes, these stains can be removed by regularly brushing with whitening toothpaste, but if they’re particularly stubborn, getting rid of them may require the help of professional teeth whitening.
Intrinsic stains are more severe and deep down within the tooth. They are often caused by injury, thinning enamel as a result of aging, overuse of certain medications, or ingesting too much fluoride during childhood. Store-bought products almost never work on intrinsic stains. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can blast them away.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
FDA regulations limit how much of an active whitening ingredient (usually hydrogen peroxide) that over-the-counter gels, strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes can contain. These restrictions do not apply to professional teeth whitening, allowing our treatment to be much more potent than anything you can find at your local drugstore or online.
Once our powerful bleaching gel is applied to your teeth, it permeates the enamel to reach the deep-set stains within the tooth. It attaches to and breaks down the stain molecules within minutes. When the gel is wiped away, so are the stains, leaving you with gorgeous results that can last a long time with proper maintenance.
How to Maintain Your Results
While no teeth whitening treatment is permanent, your results can last for several months or even a year before you need a touch-up, provided you take good care of your teeth. Here are a few tips to make your results last as long as possible:
- Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages for the first 48 hours, as your teeth will be extra absorbent and more prone to staining.
- Eat and drink these items in moderation after that. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming them.
- Sip dark liquids through a straw to minimize direct contact with the teeth.
- Brush and floss every single day.
- Attend a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is one of the most safe, effective, and sought-after cosmetic dental treatments. That doesn’t mean, however, that it isn’t normal to have a few questions on your mind beforehand. To make finding the answers as easy as possible, we’ve responded to some FAQs about teeth whitening in Worcester right here! Of course, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Throughout your research, you may have heard that teeth whitening comes with some tooth sensitivity. The good news is that treatments from your Worcester cosmetic dentist are completely personalized to your dental needs, minimizing your chances of experiencing any discomfort. Plus, if your teeth are prone to sensitivity, there are certain best practices we may recommend, such as spacing out your treatments and opting for a specialty toothpaste.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are marketed as powerful and cost-effective, but do they really stack up to professional treatments? In short, the answer is “no.” The store-bought products are filled with diluted brightening agents and one-size-fits-all trays. Treatments from your dentist, on the other hand, are significantly more reliable – they can lighten your smile up to eight shades in a single visit! Perhaps most importantly, professional teeth whitening ensures your oral health stays in tip-top shape throughout the process, ensuring the end result is a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Whether you’re struggling with minor discoloration or pigmented stains, teeth whitening may just be the solution you’ve been looking for! The best way to find out if you are a candidate is by scheduling an initial consultation. During this visit, your cosmetic dentist will take a look at your teeth, learn about your smile goals, and determine if teeth whitening is the best smile-enhancing solution for you. The good news is that even if an untreated oral health problem, like a cavity, initially stands in your way, our team can administer the appropriate restorative care beforehand. That way, you can have a healthy foundation for your gorgeous new smile.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, teeth whitening treatments do not yield permanent results. Ultimately, the longevity will depend on how you care for your smile. For example, if you drink coffee without a straw, smoke, don’t brush your teeth often, and engage in other unhealthy dental habits, then the results may only last for a few months or, in some cases, a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you brush after each meal, minimize your consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages, and keep up with your six-month dental cleanings, the results will likely last much longer.