Who doesn’t love a bright, beautiful smile? Professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can deliver incredible results that will make you never want to stop smiling.
Dr. Ed Lazer is a leading cosmetic dentist in the Towson, MD area that offers professional teeth whitening treatment. If you are looking for a way to enhance your smile, this popular treatment is easy and affordable.
Dr. Ed Lazer provides the Zoom!™ Teeth Whitening system at his Towson, MD area dental practice. This popular treatment involves placing a special bleaching gel on your teeth and activating it with a special light.
It is so east, fast, and pain-free! In about an hour, you can leave our office with whiter teeth.
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Towson, MD
The procedure itself is fast and simple. Our dentists can complete it in a single office visit. Your appointment should only last a little over one hour. Once completed, you will have teeth that are several shades lighter in appearance.
The first step in the Zoom! teeth whitening process is to take measures to protect your lips and gums. We will place a special material over your lips, gums, and other soft tissue to protect them from the gel.
Then, our dentist will coat the surface of your teeth with special whitening gel. Next, our dentist will turn on the special Zoom! light to activate the active ingredient in the gel, hydrogen peroxide. This ensures that the whitening solution penetrates the surface of the tooth and wipes out the stains.
After teeth whitening, it is common to experience some tooth sensitivity, especially to cold. This should last for less than a week and will likely subside in a few days.
Making Your Teeth Whitening Results Last
There are many factors that influence the color and vibrancy of your teeth. While the results of professional teeth whitening cannot last forever, there are many things you can do to make them last longer.
Proper oral hygiene is vital. You must brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove all stain causing debris.
Visiting our Towson, MD area dental office every six months for a thorough teeth cleaning will remove debris that your toothbrush and floss cannot.
Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks will also help the results longer. There are many foods/drinks that stain teeth, however red wine, coffee, and tea are the most popular ones.
Things like berries and rich pasta sauce can also stain teeth, so avoid overindulging. We recommend brushing your teeth after consuming these items.
Finally, smoking is a nasty habit that can quickly turn your teeth yellow. We recommend quitting smoking for health reasons and for what it does to your teeth.
You should also make sure that you drink enough water every day. Dehydration can cause dry mouth which will lead to bad breath and yellowing of the teeth.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is professionally whitening my teeth worth it?
Whitening your teeth at the dentist versus buying a treatment from a store is better for many reasons. It is much safer to have a dentist perform the treatment, and it is also more effective.
The results will be even and will last longer. When done correctly, teeth whitening treatment is very safe. Paying the extra money to have a professional whiten your teeth is definitely worth the investment.
Will professional teeth whitening permanently whiten my teeth?
No, the results from professional teeth whitening will not last forever. However, it can last anywhere from three months to three years. How long your results last completely depends on how well you care for your teeth and your lifestyle habits.
Avoiding tobacco in any form, as well as things like red wine, coffee, and tea, will help the results last longer.
Should I get my teeth cleaned before whitening?
Yes, it’s a good idea to get your teeth cleaned before whitening. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar. It also allows the whitening treatment to work more effectively. Whitening on clean teeth ensures more even results and a brighter smile.
Can I use teeth whitening strips with Invisalign?
No, we don’t recommend you use whitening strips with Invisalign. The strips won’t fit properly over your aligners and may not work effectively. You can ask your dentist about professional whitening options designed to be used with Invisalign, such as whitening gel trays.
Can you smoke after teeth whitening?
It’s best to avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening. Smoking can cause staining and undo the whitening effects. We feel you should consider limiting smoking or quitting altogether to keep your teeth bright for longer.
Can decayed teeth be whitened?
Whitening works on healthy enamel, not decayed areas. You should treat decay first before considering whitening. We might recommend fillings or other restorations. Once restored, discuss whitening options with your dentist.
If you are looking to permanently whiten your teeth, ask Dr. Lazer about porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, and dental crowns.