The field of cosmetic dentistry includes professional teeth whitening treatments that can effectively brighten your smile. 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.
Why Do Teeth Discolor?
Teeth can change color over time for many reasons. As we age, the color of our teeth naturally darkens. The outer layer of enamel on our teeth wears down, making the yellowish layer underneath, called dentin, more visible. This can cause teeth to look darker or less bright than they used to.
Another reason teeth discolor is because of the foods and drinks we consume. Dark-colored foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce, as well as beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, can leave stains on the surface of your teeth. These stains build up over time to make your teeth look yellow or dull.
Tobacco use is also a major cause of tooth discoloration. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause deep stains that are hard to remove, even when you brush every day.
Poor oral hygiene is a common factor. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up. This buildup of harmful bacteria can make teeth look yellow or brown.
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 so you whiten all of your teeth. You experience maximum comfort and minimized tooth and gum sensitivity.
Other Teeth Whitening Options
Some patients have stains that will not respond to professional teeth whitening. In this situation, Dr. Gauthier may suggest a more permanent option. Several options are available for patients to choose from, like 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
To keep your teeth white, we will recommend that you:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth daily. This will remove plaque and prevent it from building up on the teeth. When you brush and floss, you can remove surface stains.
- Use Whitening Toothpaste: A tooth whitening toothpaste alone will yield little results. However, it can help maintain and prolong your results. Most of them contain gentle abrasives or polishing agents that can help remove surface stains.
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Limit foods and beverages that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, dark sauces, and berries should be limited. If you choose to consume them, rinse your mouth out with water. You can also brush your teeth after.
- Quit Smoking: Any type of tobacco use will lead to tooth discoloration. If you quit smoking, it can help you maintain your teeth whitening results. It can also improve your overall health.
- Use a Straw: We may recommend that you use a straw while consuming beverages that can cause stains on your teeth. Straws will minimize contact with your teeth.
- Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: Never skip your regular dental visits. During these appointments, our dentist will clean your teeth to remove any surface stains and tartar buildup. Regular visits ensure your teeth stay white.
- Touch-Up Your Treatment: We can offer a touch-up whitening treatment to maintain your results. Our office will recommend treatment after 6 or more months. Touch-ups keep your teeth bright.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you want to know more? Find answers to these commonly asked questions about teeth whitening.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening treatment?
We recommend teeth whitening for patients with healthy, natural, and stained teeth. 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.
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. Also, 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 we remove the stains. It takes a little time for your teeth to adjust. Tooth sensitivity is only temporary. Treatment is also more comfortable than store-bought 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 compared to in-office teeth whitening. Dr. Gauthier can create a safe and effective at-home treatment for you if you want the convenience of whitening your teeth at home.
When will I notice my teeth whitening results?
You will begin to notice results from at-home teeth whitening treatment 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 we bond to the front of the teeth. Dr. Gauthier can change the color of your teeth and fix any imperfections with this treatment.
How much is teeth whitening treatment?
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the type of treatment and number of applications you need. Take-home teeth whitening often costs less than in-office whitening.
Veneers and bonding may cost more than professional whitening. Bonding costs less than veneers because of the different materials and the quick treatment. Veneers cost more than professional teeth whitening, but you should also consider how long veneers last. We also recommend these treatments if you have deep tooth stains.
Get 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.