Revitalize Your Smile: Expert Teeth Whitening Services in Orange County

1. Table of Contents

   Introduction

Revitalize Your Smile offers a solution for those living in the Orange County area. The Orange County Zoom! Teeth Whitening procedures use a special light that penetrates the teeth and breaks up stains and discoloration. The Zoom! teeth whitening gel will then be applied to the teeth. The gel works together with the light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. The gel will remain in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time you can relax, watch TV or listen to music. The gel will be applied 3-4 times to ensure the best results. In as little as 45 minutes, the procedure is complete. A 20% take home touch-up kit also will be given for future use. This type of procedure is the best way to achieve a white and bright smile in a single visit.

Having a shining white smile is something that many of us can only dream of. Many disbelieve that such beauty can last with how much the average person loves to consume dark colored foods and beverages. It is not impossible to keep white teeth, though. Teeth can become stained due to food and drinks as well as tobacco use and certain medications. Calculus or tartar build-up on the teeth also can cause discoloration.

There are many who have yellowish as well as brown stained teeth, and such discoloration of teeth usually is a lot with mature people or the elderly. Thankfully these days, a beautiful smile can also be a reality with no longer do you have to be born with it. There are many reasons why an individual would need to opt for teeth whitening and for anyone in the Orange County area, Dr. Hawary is a great choice.

1.1. Importance of a Bright Smile

As we age, our teeth naturally get darker. This happens more quickly for some than others, but very few people escape having yellower teeth. Avoiding certain foods and drinks can help prevent your teeth from further discoloration, but you’re never going to stop it altogether. People involved in public life or careers often find that having a great smile is a helpful way of gaining extra points with others. And teeth whitening can make a substantial improvement in the way your smile looks. So regardless of your lifestyle or the underlying causes that have led you to consider teeth whitening, it’s a simple and effective way to improve the quality of your smile and your overall appearance.

Teeth whitening is a common way to enhance the appearance of your smile. By whitening your teeth, you can make your smile more dazzling and your face look younger. This can go a long way in increasing your self-confidence and self-esteem. Whiter teeth can help you make a better impression on others and allow you to feel better about your appearance. This can be useful in a wide range of situations, from getting more job opportunities to simply feeling better about yourself and the way you look. This can greatly improve your quality of life overall. Many people find that having an improved appearance, whether it’s straighter teeth or whiter teeth, can significantly improve your outlook on life. Whitening your teeth is a quick and painless way to make a striking improvement in your smile and appearance.

1.2. Benefits of Teeth Whitening Services

Special occasions – Life is full of big moments such as weddings, graduations, milestone birthdays, class reunions, first dates, job interviews, or a big presentation. People often whiten their teeth before these important occasions. A whiter smile can give people the boost in confidence they need to make a lasting impression and what occasion is not made better with a good smile?

Appearance – This one is obvious. The most common reason for whitening teeth is to have a better appearance. Yellow teeth are an embarrassment and make people very self-conscious. It is not uncommon for people to avoid smiling if they feel their teeth are not white enough. A good smile is a very powerful thing – it is one of the first things you notice when meeting someone for the first time and a white smile gives off the impression of warmth, friendliness, happiness, and good health. A poor smile often has the opposite effect and can create barriers in both social and work situations. With teeth whitening being one of the easier and cheaper ways to improve your appearance, it is no wonder that it is such a popular procedure.

A bright smile is often associated with happiness, vitality, and health. It is a goal sought out by many, as evidenced by the large variety of teeth whitening options and products available today. The benefits of whitening are too numerous to list, but some of the most popular reasons for people to whiten their teeth include the following:

2. Understanding Teeth Discoloration

Another way to categorize stains is by identifying their sources. Age-related staining or combination staining is often a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors as it is a product of aging and accumulative lifelong exposure to various sources.

Intrinsic stains are a result of trauma to a tooth, which causes the darkening of a tooth or, in some instances, a nerve may die and cause the tooth to change colors ranging from pink to grey to black. Internal bleeding from severe impact may also result in discoloration. Intrinsic stains can also be caused by a number of highly pigmented foods and beverages when small particles work their way into the tooth.

There are many ways to categorize teeth discoloration; one of the simplest is to divide it into extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains affect the surface of the enamel, which is the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. When gums recede, they often expose the root of the tooth to plaque; this can cause a yellow stain in that area. Extrinsic stains are caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco, and over time the stain makes it through the enamel, becoming intrinsic discoloration. Elevation of acid levels in the mouth also facilitates extrinsic staining.

High doses of chemicals including tetracycline and fluoride can cause teeth discoloration, and pinpoint spots known as fluorosis can happen when children consume too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing (most common from the ages of 1-4). Head trauma can also cause discoloration in a tooth. It is actually a defense mechanism in a tooth for a nerve that has had an impact; the tooth will change color as a result of the trauma. Silver and gold dental materials can also contribute to discolored teeth over a long period of time. Last but not least, as we age, our outer tooth enamel wears down, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.

Another primary cause of teeth discoloration comes from tobacco, both smoking and chewing. Tar and nicotine are in and of themselves bad for your teeth, but in combination with two common chromogens found in food, nicotine turns from a clear color to a yellowish color, and it is the surface of the tooth that turns into a nasty brown. Nicotine and tar are carried by the blood to the surface of the crowns of your teeth and in time they permeate the tooth structure. The discoloration caused by nicotine or tar is difficult to remove by simple means and in many cases typically requires professional cleaning and/or tooth whitening.

Teeth may be discolored in a number of ways, some of the most common offenders are foods or drinks that stain teeth. Red wine, coffee, and tea are the biggest culprits. In addition, some fruits and vegetables can cause staining. These foods contain chromogens, or intensely pigmented molecules that attach to the white outer part of your tooth. Additionally, acidic foods contribute by staining teeth indirectly by making it easier for chromogens to attach to the teeth.

2.1. Common Causes of Teeth Stains

There are several causes of tooth discoloration, the most common being a stained enamel surface. This can be caused by drinking coffee, tea, cola, and red wine, or by smoking. Calculus or tartar can also affect the color of a tooth. Some people may have white or brown stains on the surface of their teeth which are caused by a very high fluoride exposure in early childhood. These are called fluorosis stains and while they can be bleached in some instances, it is important to assess their severity and their cause before attempting to mask these stains. Tetracycline antibiotics can discolor a tooth when taken during the second half of pregnancy, and in early childhood up to the age of around 8. Excessive use of tetracycline during tooth development can cause a variety of colors ranging from yellow to brown. Very few of these cases can be greatly improved. Trauma can also cause discoloration of a tooth. This can occur immediately after the tooth is affected, or it can take several years. Although all of the above stains can be improved, some cases will have a better final result than others. It is important to consult with a dental professional to discuss which treatment options are best for you.

2.2. Types of Teeth Discoloration

Extrinsic discoloration is discoloration occurring on the surface of the tooth. This occurs when the outer layer of enamel is stained. Causes of extrinsic discoloration include smoking and ingesting drinks such as coffee, tea, cola or red wine. In some cases, various disease processes or just aging can result in the discoloration. Inherent discoloration is discoloration occurring within the tooth, making it more difficult to remove. There are several causes including exposure to too much fluoride during early childhood, while the teeth are developing. Antibiotic use especially tetracycline during the second trimester of fetal development and up to age 8 years, can cause inherent discoloration. It can also occur in teeth that have been traumatized, where the dentine becomes pigmented as a reaction to pulp injury. Another form of inherent discoloration is genetic discoloration, which can cause the teeth to turn yellow, brown or black. This is the most difficult type of discoloration to deal with as there is no way to change the pigmentation of the teeth, only remove the stains off the surface.

3. Professional Teeth Whitening Methods

Dentists have access to a variety of in-office whitening methods, which are considered to be the most effective methods. The dentist will decide whether you are a suitable candidate for one of the in-office procedures and will recommend the best method. Depending on the type of stains and how severe they are, a dentist or dental hygienist will use different methods. It is important to have a realistic expectation of the whitening procedure. Deeply stained teeth can take a long time to whiten and sometimes may not return to the stark white shade you may have in mind. Teeth that have been stained yellow or brown are most likely to return to the normal color, but gray-colored teeth are less likely to be the exact shade they were before. In-office procedures are usually the most costly method with prices ranging from $650 to $1000. They are a significant financial investment, but if you are trying to whiten your teeth for an important event, in-office procedures are the quickest and most effective method. Take-home kits are a cheaper alternative to the in-office whitening. They are a cost-effective method because the trays are reusable, so you can buy multiple syringes of bleaching agent at lower costs for touch-ups in the future. The downside to the take-home kits is that they do not whiten as fast as in-office procedures, but the end result is about the same; it just takes longer to achieve. Apply the bleaching agent to the tray and wear it for the advised amount of time or overnight. Trays might be worn anywhere from 1-5 hours. Results are usually seen within several days to a month.

3.1. In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedures

The other method is a new technology called Zoom whitening. Zoom is a bleaching process widely used throughout the country and around the world to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin. Step one of the Zoom whitening process is to check your teeth and gums for overall health. Next, your lips and gums are covered leaving only your teeth exposed. The dentist or dental assistant will then apply the Zoom hydrogen peroxide to your teeth. The Zoom light and hydrogen peroxide work together to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. The gel is applied for 15 minutes while the light is on. During this time, you can relax, watch TV, or listen to music. The gel and light process is repeated 3 more times. After the 4th 15-minute session, you will rinse and the process is complete. With Zoom whitening, your teeth can become up to 8 shades lighter in just one visit!

Your dentist will tell you which in-office procedure is right for you. There are many types of whitening methods, but the most common are custom trays filled with bleaching gel. Custom trays are created by taking an impression of your upper and lower teeth and then molding thin, flexible plastic shells to the shape of your teeth. The tray is then filled with bleaching gel and worn 1-2 hours a day or overnight for a few weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.

In-office professional teeth whitening procedures are the most sought-after method. This teeth whitening method is also the most effective. The first thing you should do is visit your dentist for a consultation. It is wise to see a dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment. Done properly, teeth whitening can last as long as 3 years.

3.2. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Take-home teeth whitening kits are a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth. Professional take-home kits are available exclusively through your dentist. These are the solution to the ever-present “How do I whiten my teeth?” question. This is achieved through the use of a custom-fitted tray and a high concentration of whitening gel. This safe and effective method of teeth whitening provides fantastic results in as little as 4 days. The tray is comfortable to wear and is worn for short periods of time during the day or night. At Personal Touch Dentistry, we will recommend the best method of teeth whitening for you.

These are less expensive than in-office teeth whitening procedures and are becoming more coherent and user-friendly. Then, with respect to take-home kits, the amount and kind of active ingredients and the length of time they are worn can vary widely. The majority works by applying the whitening gel liberally into a tray, and then the tray fits over the teeth. The tray is generally worn a couple of hours a day or overnight for up to four weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening).

3.3. Laser Teeth Whitening Techniques

Your dentist will then examine the progress of whitening with a special light. The main purpose of laser usage is to accelerate the effect of chemical agent contained within whitening gel. It has been said that laser whitening techniques can have a result which can last as long as 5 years. However, the price can be higher compared with the two previous methods. But with satisfying result and the efficiency, the price might worth the quality.

Laser teeth whitening techniques are quite popular in recent years. The methods are very simple and can be described as fast. For the first time, you have to clean your mouth from bacteria and food particles by brushing teeth. Then, you will be given a mouthpiece tray which contains teeth whitening gel. Any kind of gel is okay. It is because the main material for teeth whitening in this method is the laser.

4. Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Service

In order to find information on the various teeth whitening treatments, you can check out articles on the internet. Retain the URL of any good pages so you can show them to your dental hygienist in order to help them understand exactly what you want. If you are unsure, then it may be best to consult with your hygienist before making a decision on teeth whitening treatment.

To start the process of teeth whitening, you must research into the service providers in your area. By gathering information on specific tooth whitening treatments, you will be able to make a more informed decision. Find out about the extent of the treatment and the likely time scale that is involved. If you are in a hurry for a solution to stained teeth, then some treatments may be unsuitable due to their prolonged application time.

Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

4.1. Researching Teeth Whitening Providers

It is important for dentists to provide information on the available effective options. At San Ramon Valley Dental Dr. Nasser, we provide custom made tray bleaching, Lumineer porcelain veneers, and the new EZ White Pro chair side whitening for patients who have sensitive teeth. Different patients have different degrees of sensitivity on their teeth and it is important to have a method most comfortable for the patient. EZ White Pro chair side whitening, for instance, gives effective results in whitening normal to sensitive teeth and requires only about an hour appointment. Besides the trust level and the comfort of the procedure, the second most important factor to consider is the expected end results from the teeth whitening method and the duration of its effectiveness.

Given the growing demand in teeth whitening services, there are now more and more dentists who offer teeth whitening services. There are a number of types of teeth whitening or bleaching ranging from professional lightening and laser bleaching to home bleaching kits with tray systems. Over the counter home bleaching kits can be effective in lightening teeth but not as effective as professional services. With so many choices, it can be confusing to determine which teeth whitening method is best for you. The first factor to consider is the level of trust you have in your dentist. Pick the one who is trustworthy, caring, and understands that the patient might be uncomfortable with the procedure.

4.2. Considering Reputation and Experience

Consider these options, and you will be able to find an archetype that addresses your issue. With a little legwork and an informed decision, you will discover the teeth whitening provider that is right for you. High-quality dental services are readily available, and newly modernized procedures are completely safe, effective, and easy on the wallet. You owe it to yourself to explore the options.

Another motivating answer to the question is you. The average person takes great pride in their own strength and appearance. Consider the following questions. Do you want to spend a small or considerable amount of your hard-earned cash? The fee for a ceramic treatment will vary over time, though it is generally on the higher end of the scale. If you try a cheaper technique with a bleaching kit or strips, you may be hesitant to invest this money in fear of an unsightly or unsafe end result. Lastly, remember that the price you pay today for increased clarity and self-worth is rather inexpensive. Dentistry will continue to be a highly sought-after practice, especially for those seeking a career in the public health sector.

When evaluating the reputation and experience of a teeth whitening provider, consider the following questions. Just how long has the provider been in business? Do they have a lot of customer recommendations? Have they received any professional or business awards? These questions can provide you with a better idea about the provider’s background. With time-honored service and a substantial clientele, it’s likely you’re in safe hands. Looking at a provider’s website, you could have the ability to view customer recommendations or before and after photos that can provide you with a clear idea of the quality of their service.

4.3. Evaluating Cost and Insurance Coverage

Professional teeth whitening services are rarely covered by insurance because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, there may be exceptions. There are some circumstances in which the teeth discoloration is a symptom of another dental or medical problem, and teeth whitening may be considered a part of a dental treatment to restore oral health. In such cases, teeth whitening may be considered a necessary procedure to maintain a patient’s oral health. If you feel this is the case with your discoloration, make sure to thoroughly discuss your situation with your dental professional and your insurance provider. It is possible that your dental professional may need to submit a predetermination to the insurance company regarding the necessity of the procedure. If teeth whitening becomes a necessity in preventing further dental problems, it is likely that insurance will cover some of the cost.

When considering different options to obtain professional teeth whitening services, it may be tempting to base your choice solely on the cost of the procedure. While cost is an important factor, the information below from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association is intended to help you make an informed decision about quality, long-term satisfaction, and safety of dental treatments. Remember that the most costly dental service is the one that fails to provide you with the results that you desired. When considering the cost of teeth whitening, compare the various methods and prices based on the duration of the results. Ask the dental professional what the expected results are for your specific needs. Take into consideration how much time and effort it will take to get the results you want, and which final results are most satisfying for you. The cost of whitening can vary, but professional methods are more expensive due to the materials and time involved.

5. Preparing for Teeth Whitening Treatment

At all costs, avoid using over-the-counter whitening products without the consent of a registered dentist. Some products may be unsuitable for you and if used incorrectly or excessively, they can harm your teeth and soft tissues. This damage is often difficult or impossible to reverse. Always follow the advice of your dentist and never exceed the duration and frequency recommended for any form of whitening product.

To understand what you should expect with any form of whitening treatment, let us take a general look at the process. Usually, there is a preparation phase, an option to do treatment at home, and a follow-up to assess its effectiveness. This is a very general explanation and the entire process will vary across different techniques and products.

Even if you choose to undergo teeth whitening at a professional clinic, there is a chance that you would need some form of home maintenance or follow-up treatment. Discoloration can recur and maintenance methods might vary across different whitening techniques. Make sure you understand the duration and frequency of treatment recommended by your dentist. A recent study has shown that a well-accepted way of maintaining a favorable shade following treatment is to use a low concentration of bleach once a month.

If you are getting teeth whitening treatment, you would first be requiring a consultation with your dentist. This is not only a conventional check-up, but an opportunity to tell your dentist the results that you are wanting to achieve. The dentist will examine your teeth and ask you questions to decide the cause of the discoloration. A probable cause is the consumption of tetracycline during the formative years and a discussion with your dentist will help you decide the best treatment course.

Prior to deciding on radical home or in surgery whitening, consider the reasons why you want to whiten your teeth. If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth because of staining, you may not require professional treatment. If you are looking to brighten the shade of your teeth, surface stains and natural discoloration will respond well to professional treatment.

Professional teeth whitening is a straightforward process, but you need to be set up properly before you begin. Each stage from the early examination to the final choice in the technique of whitening requires proper forethought and planning.

5.1. Dental Examination and Consultation

During the first meeting, the dentist will need to know your dental and medical history and what prompted you to seek teeth whitening treatment. During the consultation, a dentist can explain the treatment method, whether it is in office, at home, or both. He can also help you understand the potential results and how long it may take to achieve them. Costs and payment options should also be discussed at this visit. A clinical examination should also be performed to see if there are contraindications to the treatment. For example, yellow teeth with slight discoloration may not benefit from bleaching treatment. The discolored teeth should be identified and a practical treatment plan discussed. Lastly, the dentist should also explain what the patient should realistically expect. No matter what, teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. Results can last up to several years and may vary depending on the patient. The degree of whiteness will vary from individual to individual depending on the condition of the teeth, nature of the stain, the treatment method and duration. Harmful effects are rare, but in some instances patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity and irritation to the soft tissues in the mouth.

5.2. Understanding the Procedure and Expectations

The exact details of the teeth whitening procedure will vary between patients. However, the following process is typical of most methods of whitening. Your dentist will first conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure their good health and to assess the type and cause of your tooth discoloration. He/she may then advise you as to the most appropriate form of whitening. If you are deemed suitable for the process, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to construct custom-fitted trays. These will maximize the effectiveness and comfort of the whitening process. At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The dentist will then instruct you on how to use the trays with the whitening solution (these instructions can vary widely, depending on the concentration of the solution, and the type and duration of the treatment), and for how long and how often this should be done at home. Results are usually seen within a few days to a couple of weeks, and this process is then followed by a review appointment to assess the success of the whitening treatment. The rapid developments in whitening techniques in recent years means that impressions and custom trays are now often replaced by quicker, one-visit procedures, sometimes utilizing lights or lasers to activate the whitening solution. There is an ever-increasing range of in-office treatments available, and these are becoming more effective and comfortable. Discuss with your dentist which method is the most appropriate for you.

5.3. Precautions and Pre-Treatment Instructions

Precautions & Pre-Treatment Whitening Instructions: 1. If your teeth need a new restoration or if you have not had needed dental work done, this must generally be completed before your teeth whitening. It is because restorations do not whiten and therefore would stand out in your newly whitened smile. 2. A common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. This occurs because the whitening process can temporarily dehydrate the teeth. If you are someone who already experiences sensitivity with your teeth or gums, it may be wise to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth several weeks prior to beginning the bleaching process. This is not necessary for everyone, yet it can help in decreasing the likelihood of any discomfort experienced during or after whitening.

Prior to beginning a teeth whitening procedure, it is important to follow the precautions and pre-treatment instructions your dentist gives you. It normally involves the following:

6. The Teeth Whitening Process

In-Office Whitening provides more clear progress because you can discuss it with your dentist and determine the product that best suits the condition of your teeth and how much whiteness you want to achieve. Usually, In-Office Whitening does not require huge time and cost. A rubber shield or gel will be placed to protect the soft tissue inside your mouth (tongue, lips, and the oral mucosa). Then, a bleaching product containing a high concentration of peroxide will be applied to the teeth surface. This product will work to make your teeth whiter. The time-consuming is varied depending on the product used and is often repeated 3 times for 20-30 minutes. High heat method is a method done after bleaching treatments. High heat treatments increase the chemical reaction of the bleaching product, but not all products require this step. Pros from In-Office Whitening is faster and more visible result.

Treatment for teeth whitening is about to start from any way, with any method. Before deciding to have your teeth whitened, firstly, do your own research if it is appropriate, or discuss further with your dentist. If you are having dental work done, for example, crowns or white fillings, you will not see much of a difference in the colors of your teeth. The chemicals used in the teeth whitening process only clean natural teeth and do not affect any type of crowns or fillings. These tips are very useful to understand, but more specific information can be obtained from your dentist. After that, he will provide you with the full diagnosis and say what to expect from each treatment, to help you understand the difference of cleaning your natural teeth, to brighten the whiteness of teeth, and how much result could be achieved based on the condition of your teeth.

6.1. Step-by-Step Guide to In-Office Whitening

First, the dental professional will prepare your teeth for the treatment to begin. He will start by removing any plaque that has built up over the days. Then, he will make sure that your teeth are clean and dry before the treatment begins. He will usually photograph the shade of your teeth before the treatment starts. This is so that he can monitor the progress of the treatment.

The in-office tooth whitening will be done with an experienced dental professional. When you first meet with your dental professional, you will be asked about the shade that you would like your teeth to become. He will then show you a shade guide, which demonstrates the various shades of teeth, and will ask you what the final shade you want to achieve. An in-office tooth whitening treatment can usually last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

6.2. Instructions for Using Take-Home Kits

Depending on the amount and concentration of the product, the trays will need to be worn from 30 minutes to overnight. Generally, results are seen in just a few days, but for tougher stains, the system may need to be used for several weeks.

The whitening agent is placed in the trays which are then seated over the teeth. Some systems recommend varying the amount of whitening agent in the trays depending on the concentration used. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Overfilling the tray will cause the whitening agent to ooze out onto the gums, which can result in irritation to the gums and other soft tissues.

The trays hold the whitening agent in place, ensuring that it remains in contact with the teeth. Custom trays can be obtained from your cosmetic dentist. Using custom trays are essential for these systems. Using trays that are not made specifically for the person can result in damage to the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.

6.3. What to Expect during Laser Whitening

Once it’s been determined that you are a candidate for whitening, we will schedule your appointment for a future date and you’ll be given instructions on how to prepare for your session. Generally, we will recommend having your teeth cleaned prior to the whitening appointment. During this cleaning, any plaque and tartar build-up will be removed, which will allow for better results during the whitening session due to the increased ability of the whitening agent to penetrate the tooth surface.

At your first appointment, you will be given a comprehensive dental exam. We will be looking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or the need for bonding. In addition, there are some cases in which a patient’s discolored teeth are a symptom of a deeper dental problem. In these cases, it’s best to determine the exact nature of the problem before undergoing whitening. Also, in some cases of severe discoloration, whitening may not be the right solution. We want every patient to leave our office with the results they were expecting, and in some cases, whitening is not the appropriate course of action.

7. Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

You will need to maintain your new, bright, white smile and that means taking proper care of your teeth. After teeth whitening, it is essential to pay close attention to your oral hygiene to maintain the brightness of your smile for as long as possible. When your teeth are constantly exposed to food and drink that cause staining (highly pigmented food and beverages), your teeth will slowly begin to darken again. Avoid stain-causing food and beverages if at all possible if you want to keep your white smile. Use a straw to sip beverages like coffee, tea or cola as these will stain your teeth. Brushing or rinsing immediately after consuming these beverages will also help to prevent staining and eliminate the yellowing process. A practice of good oral hygiene will preserve the results of your teeth whitening treatment. A beautiful smile is the desired result of your teeth whitening treatment. Fill your heart with warm thoughts that your bright smile will bring to yourself and others. Overtime this mental image will help you to make the right decisions to brighten your smile and face. Any good investment of time and money is worth a little thought and effort. After all you want this to be a long term investment right?

7.1. Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile

Tobacco is unhealthy in any case, and it is doubly so whether it is snuffed or smoked after a tooth whitening treatment. There are two chemicals in tobacco that lead to stubborn stains: tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark in color, and nicotine, when mixed with oxygen, turns into a yellowish substance. In addition to these two, one must also consider that the two aforementioned chemicals are carcinogenic and that they can also lead to more serious problems than yellowish teeth.

Not solely food and drink play a role. Poor oral hygiene can lead to off-color teeth. Inadequate brushing and flossing are the primary contributors to yellowish teeth. Flossing is important to maintain healthy white teeth. Plaque has a tendency to gather in between teeth and this will lead to its staining. If possible, after every meal, the mouth should be rinsed out of food.

Directly following a descaling, the pores of the enamel are open and this makes the teeth very vulnerable to stain. Foods with artificial coloring, as well as tea and coffee, should be avoided at all costs. If these foods are consumed, it’s imperative to brush immediately to wash away the food and stop staining.

Dental bleaching isn’t a permanent procedure. Thus, storage of a brighter smile depends on the individual. Following the tooth whitening care instructions will aid in preserving a whiter smile for a longer time. The answer is in avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages. The duration of time spent using tobacco products can also have an effect.

7.2. Foods and Habits to Avoid after Whitening

Foods and drinks that should be avoided after undergoing teeth whitening treatment include those containing high levels of staining and acidity. Foods which have a high staining content may produce a stained appearance to teeth. Foods with a high acid content may make teeth more sensitive for a longer period, due to the enamel on the teeth becoming softer for a short while. The lists below outline the foods and drinks to avoid. This means that it is advantageous to change to a diet that is softer and less acidic for a few days after completing a whitening treatment. This does not mean cutting out the foods and drinks completely, but avoiding them for 2-3 days will make a difference to the lasting effect of the whitening treatment. By avoiding these foods and drinks for only a short period of time will mean they will be less likely to soak through your tooth enamel and discolor the teeth.

7.3. Follow-Up Appointments and Touch-Up Treatments

The length of time your teeth will stay white after an in-office whitening procedure is variable. In general, results last from six months to two years. A variety of factors can affect the color change of your teeth after whitening, including the use of tobacco products and consumption of dark foods and drinks. Ask Dr. Hadaegh and the staff of OC Healthy Smiles for their opinion on how well you would respond to whitening. The best way to maintain your whitest smile is to follow up with take-home whitening products. These are provided by Dr. Hadaegh after your procedure to maintain your white smile. These are similar to the materials used in the whitening process, but in a lower concentration. They are usually worn for an hour at a time, or overnight, for a few days to a week. Duration and frequency of use may vary.

Ready to Illuminate Your Smile? Experience Professional Teeth Whitening in Orange County at Smile Magic Dentistry! Book your appointment now at SmileMagicDentistry.com and reveal a brighter, more confident you!