Not having the perfect set of pearly, white teeth can impact your self-esteem and confidence. You can consider teeth whitening procedures if you have stained and discolored teeth. While our teeth are strong, the natural enamel is prone to staining, especially due to foods and beverages that are darker in color, such as coffee. When you visit a family dental care in Summit, IL, you will find two major options – in-office teeth whitening and take-home kits. If you choose the latter, you will have an easy way to create a white smile at home. Here’s what you need to know about take-home teeth whitening kits.
An overview
For the unversed, teeth whitening refers to the procedures that are used to change and improve the appearance of your teeth. Typically, the dentist will consider an in-office bleaching treatment, which can help fix extreme staining and discoloration. However, in many cases, patients may benefit from take-home teeth whitening kits. Today, home teeth-whitening systems are considered one of the better ways to get dramatic results.
The first consultation
Your dentist will check your teeth and complete an oral exam to determine whether you can get a home teeth-whitening system. If you have old restorations such as fillings and crowns, your dentist will check whether you need replacement, which will be considered after you are done whitening your teeth.
Home teeth-whitening systems explained
This kind of teeth whitening requires at least two dental appointments. During the first visit, the dentist will make molds of your bite by taking impressions, which will help them fabricate custom trays that are clear in color. On your next visit, you will try the plastic trays, and your dentist will make the required adjustments. You will have a teeth-whitening solution, which is the bleaching agent that you must use with the custom trays. You must continue the trays twice a day for 30 minutes or every night for the next two weeks. The dentist may ask you to return in between to see the progress.
Are the results permanent?
No matter what teeth whitening procedure you choose, the results are not permanent. As you continue eating foods that can cause staining, you must return for touch-ups. Make sure that you check with your dentist for regular checkups, and they can tell you whether you need to redo the process.
Call a local dental practice in Summit now and schedule a visit.
