Teeth Whitening in Wayne County, NY

Standards of beauty differ from culture to culture, but one quality that remains appealing pretty much anywhere you go is having bright white teeth. Who doesn’t love to have a sparkling smile? Trusted dentist Emmanuel Puddicombe knows that even diligent brushers can notice their teeth dull in shade over time. If you are looking for a smile that is significantly whiter, a professional in-office whitening can deliver the best results.

Teeth Whitening Procedure – What to Expect

At the start of your appointment, the team at Wayne County Dental Center will clean your teeth to ensure that there are no food particles or plaque present. Dr. Puddicombe will also check for any problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, that may be aggravated by the teeth-whitening process. If he discovers anything serious, he may recommend addressing those issues prior to whitening the teeth.

Dr. Puddicombe will place a lip retractor in your mouth to keep your lips away from your teeth. He then coats the gums with a gel to protect them from the bleaching chemicals. Next, he applies a separate whitening gel to your teeth, which contains a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The gel initiates a chemical reaction, known as oxidation, to break down the staining on the teeth. Dr. Puddicombe will also use a special low-heat light to enhance the whitening gel’s effects. He will repeat the process of applying the gel and shining the light two more times over the course of an hour to maximize the whiteness.

Teeth Whitening Results

In-office teeth whitening can turn your teeth 5-10 shades whiter than they were immediately before the treatment. These results tend to be visible for approximately one year. The process can safely be repeated every several months to further whiten your teeth.

To keep your teeth white for as long as possible, avoid foods and beverages that stain, such as berries, wine, coffee, and dark sodas. Tobacco use will also rapidly discolor your teeth. Continue brushing and flossing regularly to remove substances that can stain your teeth.

Candidates for Teeth Whitening

If you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth and have not been satisfied with the results produced by at-home whitening kits, you are likely a good candidate for teeth whitening. Patients with particularly sensitive teeth and gums should avoid this treatment, as hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on these areas.

Be aware that teeth whitening is not suitable for stains beneath the enamel. Stains caused by medication use or tooth decay are not improved by professional teeth whitening. Any crowns you may have in your mouth will not be affected by the bleaching process. If any of these factors are a concern, you may want to discuss alternative cosmetic options with Dr. Puddicombe, such as veneers.

Schedule an Appointment for Teeth Whitening

Whenever Dr. Puddicombe whitens a patient’s teeth with an in-office treatment, it is readily apparent how much more confident that patient is after seeing his or her whiter, more attractive smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, professional teeth whitening is the most effective way to minimize the yellowing. For an appointment, please call Wayne County Dental Center at (315) 946-4656.