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, you can trust the professional care of Dr. Gauthier. He provides treatment 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.
Dr. Gauthier will customize treatment to meet your unique needs. Store-bought products cannot be customized. Dr. Gauthier will find the best treatment 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.
This treatment takes about an hour. 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, don’t 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 uses 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
After you get your teeth whitened, you want to keep your smile looking bright for as long as possible. Follow these simple tips to help your teeth stay white:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is very important. When you brush, you remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause stains and tooth problems. Flossing helps get rid of food and plaque stuck between your teeth where your brush can’t reach. Keeping your teeth clean helps stop new stains from forming and keeps your smile fresh.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste doesn’t usually make your teeth much whiter by itself, but it can help keep your teeth looking bright after treatment. Most whitening toothpastes have tiny scrubbing particles or polishing agents that gently remove surface stains. Using it regularly helps protect your whitening results.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can cause your teeth to become stained over time. These include coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, dark sauces like soy sauce or tomato sauce, and berries like blueberries or blackberries.
Try to limit how much you eat and drink these. If you have them, rinse your mouth with water after or brush your teeth when possible. This will help wash away the stains before they settle.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco can turn teeth yellow. If you quit smoking, it will help keep your teeth white longer. Plus, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Use a Straw
When you drink beverages that can stain your teeth, like soda or iced tea, using a straw can help. A straw keeps the liquid away from your teeth, so it doesn’t sit on them and cause stains as much. This small step can make a big difference in keeping your smile bright.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Don’t skip your dental appointments! Regular cleanings by your dentist or hygienist remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that you can’t get rid of at home. These cleanings help keep your teeth healthy and white. Most people should have a cleaning every six months, but your dentist might suggest a schedule that fits your needs.
Touch-Up Your Treatment
Teeth whitening results don’t last forever, so you may need touch-up treatments to keep your smile bright. Our office can help you plan when to do these, usually after six months or more. Touch-ups are easy and help maintain your whitened teeth without doing a full treatment again.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you want to know more? Find answers to these commonly asked questions about teeth whitening in Northborough, MA.
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. But you can try to remove 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’ll 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?
We may recommend porcelain veneers if your teeth don’t respond to a whitening treatment. Veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that we bond to the front of the teeth. Dr. Gauthier can use this treatment to change the color of your teeth and fix other cosmetic imperfections.
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. Dental 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. You cal also request an appointment online by filling out the form on our website.