Austin Teeth Whitening

Having white teeth not only implies good hygiene, but it also boosts one’s confidence. If your teeth are beginning to look discolored, perhaps it is time to think about having teeth whitening.

Dental bleaching, or teeth whitening, is one of the main reasons people go to the dentist every year. While anyone can go to the store and purchase a teeth whitening kit, those who have tried to whiten their own teeth will tell you that the end results can leave a lot to be desired. It can take months for the store bought whitening kit to brighten your teeth by one shade, whereas professional dental bleaching can achieve superior results in hours.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening in North Austin, TX

North Austin is home to many different professional teeth whitening options. Depending on your needs, budget, and desired results, our dental office can help you get the bright smile you’re looking to achieve.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

One of the most common professional teeth whitening options available in North Austin is an in-office procedure. During this procedure, our dental team uses a highly concentrated bleaching gel to lighten discolored teeth. At Silver Screen Dental we also offer Zoom! teeth whitening which produces dramatic results in just one session. This procedure involves applying a special bleaching gel and using a special light to penetrate the teeth and break down discoloration.

Another common professional teeth whitening option available is laser teeth whitening. This procedure uses a powerful laser to activate the bleaching gel, allowing it to penetrate deeper and provide faster results. While this type of treatment offers longer-lasting, dramatic results, it is also more costly than other options.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

For those looking for a more cost effective approach to getting teeth whitened, professional at home teeth whitening kits are an option. These kits include custom trays and a bleaching gel you apply at home. The tray fits comfortably over the teeth and allow for a more uniform bleaching. At-home teeth whitening is convenient and lets you have complete control over your results.

The Zoom! Teeth Whitening Procedure

Zoom teeth whitening is the latest in professional teeth whitening technology. The procedure involves applying a bleaching gel made partially of hydrogen peroxide to the teeth, and then activating it with a special light. This light helps to break down the discoloration and restore your teeth to their natural white color. Best of all, Zoom whitening can be completed in one dental office visit with the entire Zoom! teeth whitening process only takes a little over an hour. Your teeth will often appear more than 6 shades lighter once complete.

Color Stabilization and White Spots

Bleaching dehydrates your teeth. When you remove your trays, you may notice that some areas appear whiter, and some appear…well… more yellow. This color discrepancy will slowly stabilize. It may take hours to days. After your final bleaching session, your teeth will slightly rebound, then stabilize after 1-2 weeks. If you have white spots before bleaching that become more pronounced after, even, the rebound period, please let us know. There are other in-office treatments that we can use to correct this discrepancy.

What if I Have Sensitive Teeth?

Use a sensitivity toothpaste for 2 weeks prior to bleaching (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Sensodoyne, or Prevident, which you can purchase in-office from us!) Use the toothpaste every time you brush!  If you experience sensitivity when whitening, skip a day, and when you start again, leave your trays in for half the time. Ease back in to the directed time if you can. If not, you will just have more whitening sessions!

Should I Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks While Bleaching?

It is best to avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth during bleaching, and for about 3 days after your are done.  When you are actively whitening your teeth, they become dehydrated and more permeable to these staining substances. Unfortunately, this list of things you should avoid happen to be some of the things we most enjoy!  But think of how white your teeth will be!!

• Dark beverages.  Coffee, tea, soda, etc.
• Red wine
• Juice, smoothies, slushies, popsicles
• Sauces or marinades that contain balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, beets
• Dark chocolate
• Dark soups, stews
• Smoking, and tobacco of any kind
• Very hot or very cold foods and drinks

If you just HAVE to have that cup of coffee, use a straw, and make sure it is not hot!  Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking or eating anything that you think just might cause staining.  And if you slip up, do not worry. You just may have to buy some extra bleach!

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

The results from professional teeth whitening can last a very long time depending on a variety of factors, including your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. Staying away from staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, berries and red wine, as well as smoking, will help extend the life of your professional teeth whitening procedure. Using our at-home whitening kits can also help to maintain your results.