The field of cosmetic dentistry includes professional teeth whitening treatments that can effectively brighten your smile. As we age, the color of our teeth naturally darkens.
Teeth can also become stained or discolored due to exposure to dark-colored foods, beverages, or tobacco, which can leave teeth yellow and dull looking. Dr. Robert Gauthier provides his patients with state-of-the-art professional teeth whitening in Northborough, MA.
Professional teeth whitening can effectively treat tooth discoloration caused by age, certain lifestyle habits, and some medical concerns.
People are instantly attracted to a white, bright smile. Whether your teeth whitened in-office or at home, trust the professional care Dr. Gauthier provides with proven, safe, and effective products.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Many teeth whitening products on the market today cost less than professional teeth whitening. It is highly recommended to visit a dental office for cosmetic dental care.
We can ensure the safety of the patient while using strong chemical agents around soft oral tissues. Apex Dental only uses carefully selected professional tooth whitening brands that yield maximum results with minimal sensitivity to teeth and gums.
Using a dentist to whiten your teeth will produce the best result. You can expect your results to be more noticeable and last longer.
Your dentist will customize your teeth whitening treatment to meet your unique needs. Store-bought products cannot be customized. A dentist can determine which treatment is best for you after a full mouth exam.
Teeth Whitening in Northborough, MA
Apex Dental offers several types of teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Gauthier will create a treatment plant that is customized to your needs after analyzing your smile and determining the current state of your oral health. We offer both in-office and at-home whitening options.
Zoom® Teeth Whitening
For patients seeking immediate results, in-office Zoom® teeth whitening is the best option. In just one visit, you can improve the whiteness of your teeth by up to 8 shades.
In general, this treatment takes about an hour in total. The Zoom® teeth whitening system is fast and convenient with low sensitivity. The results are long-lasting, safe, and effective.
The results can last up to three years if maintained properly. After treatment, you will be given a Zoom take-home touch-up kit. We will give you instructions on how to use this.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our office. After whitening treatment, we recommend avoiding staining foods and drinks such as red wine, ketchup, soda, and coffee, as these are likely to shorten the effects of treatment.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Another option is professional, at-home teeth whitening. Popular among patients because of its affordability and at-home convenience, this system utilizes custom-made trays and professional quality tooth whitening gel. In about one to two weeks, you will see results.
Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening options, the professional at-home systems fit perfectly with your teeth, ensuring that you whiten all of your teeth. You experience maximum comfort and minimized tooth and gum sensitivity.
Other Teeth Whitening Options
Some patients have stains on their teeth that will not respond to professional teeth whitening. In this situation, Dr. Gauthier may suggest a more permanent option. There are several options for patients to choose from, including porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, and dental crowns.
With CEREC Technology, Apex Dental can give you porcelain veneers or dental crowns in just one visit for an instantly brighter smile.
How to Make Your Teeth Whitening Results Last
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: You can do this by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. This will remove plaque and prevent it from building up on the teeth leading to stains.
- Use Whitening Toothpaste: A tooth whitening toothpaste alone will yield little results. However, it can help maintain and prolong your teeth whitening results. Most of them contain gentle abrasives or polishing agents that can help remove surface stains.
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, dark sauces, and berries should be limited. If you choose to consume them, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth out with after or brush your teeth afterwards.
- Quit Smoking: Any type of tobacco use, especially smoking, will lead to tooth discoloration. Quitting smoking can help maintain your teeth whitening results and improve your overall health.
- Use a Straw While Drinking: Using a straw while consuming beverages that can cause stains on your teeth will minimize contact with your teeth.
- Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: Never skip your regular dental visits. During these appointments, your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any surface stains and tartar buildup, keeping your teeth looking brighter.
- Touch-Up Your Whitening Treatment: To maintain your results, we can offer a touch-up whitening treatment to help maintain your results.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Want to know more about professional teeth whitening? Continuing reading to find answers to commonly asked questions about teeth whitening. Our dental office staff is also available to answer your questions if you still have questions or concerns.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening treatment?
We recommend teeth whitening for patients with:
- Healthy teeth and gums: We will ensure you do not have any outstanding dental problems before we recommend cosmetic dental care. If needed, we can treat gum disease and tooth decay
- Extrinsic stains: Teeth whitening can lift stains on the outer layer of your tooth, called the tooth enamel. This treatment is best if you have stains from foods, drinks, or tobacco products.
- Natural teeth: Teeth whitening will not work on crowns, veneers, fillings, bonding, bridges, or dentures. We will only recommend treatment if you have natural teeth.
Can you whiten discolored dentures?
No. Zoom Whitening treatments can’t whiten dentures. Whitening gels and dental lasers are meant for natural tooth enamel, not artificial dental prosthetics. You can, however, try removing surface stains from your dentures at home with a mix of baking soda and water. Call our office for tips.
Can teeth whitening fix gray teeth?
Teeth whitening can fix teeth with surface stains. Zoom teeth whitening can not fix deep discoloration due to medications or other issues. For this reason, we can offer cosmetic dentistry to hide imperfections that are not causing functional issues. Porcelain veneers are a great option for gray teeth.
Does teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity?
No. Your teeth become sensitive after teeth whitening because it exposes fresh tooth enamel after surface stains have been removed. It takes a little time for your teeth to adjust to the new atmosphere. Tooth sensitivity after whitening is only temporary. Tooth sensitivity is significantly less than if you choose to use professional teeth whitening options.
How does at-home whitening compare to in-office whitening?
At-home teeth whitening is more convenient because you can perform the treatment on your own time. It will cost less since it is self-administered and uses milder bleaching agents. However, the results are gradual and will take longer to achieve compared to in-office teeth whitening. Dr. Gauthier can create a safe and effective at-home treatment for you if you desire the convenience of whitening your teeth at home.
When will I notice my teeth whitening results?
The at-home teeth whitening treatment results are typically noticeable in about one week. However, this will depend on your compliance to your treatment plan. In-office teeth whitening results are immediately noticeable. In about one hour, Dr. Gauthier can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades.
What is the best way to permanently whiten my teeth?
If your teeth do not respond to a whitening treatment, then porcelain veneers are a good option to improve the appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Dr. Gauthier can change the color of your teeth as well as fix any imperfections using porcelain veneers.
How much is teeth whitening treatment?
The cost of teeth whitening treatment depends on the type of treatment and number of applications you need. Take-home teeth whitening often costs less than in-office whitening.
Alternatives like veneers and bonding may cost more than professional whitening treatment. Bonding typically costs less than veneers because of the different materials and application process. Veneers cost more than professioanl teeth whitening, but you should also consider how long veneers last.
Schedule Your Consultation for Professional Teeth Whitening in Northborough, MA
Do you want a whiter and beautiful smile? Book an appointment for a dental consultation with Dr. Gauthier. Call our office today at (508) 506-1691 or request an appointment online by filling out the form on our website.