Teeth Whitening
Family Dentistry of West Chester
General Dentist & Family Dentist located in West Chester, PA
If you have stained teeth because of coffee consumption, tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene, teeth whitening can transform your smile. At Family Dentistry of West Chester, general dentist Ruchi Trambadia, DMD, and the team offer teeth whitening to adults and teens, including in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. To make an appointment, call the office in West Chester, Pennsylvania, or schedule online today.
Teeth Whitening Q&A
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains from your teeth. Specifically, it uses hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gel to oxidize the molecules inside your tooth enamel. After application, the oxidation process brightens your teeth, making your smile whiter.
Why do teeth develop stains?
There’s no way to prevent tooth stains entirely. That’s because most of them occur because of the natural aging process. As your tooth enamel wears down, more of the yellow dentin beneath appears.
You might also experience discolored teeth due to:
- Tobacco
- Drinking beverages like coffee or black tea
- Eating foods like berries or tomato-based sauces
- Taking medication with tetracycline
- Poor oral hygiene
Other factors include oral trauma.
What are the types of teeth whitening?
The team at Family Dentistry of West Chester offers several types of teeth whitening, including:
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening takes about 45 minutes and makes your smile up to eight* shades lighter. At the beginning of treatment, your dentist covers your tongue and gums with a protective sheet. Then, they apply the teeth whitening gel to your smile.
After the solution sits for several minutes, your dentist points a special light at your teeth. The light triggers a reaction that oxidizes the molecules deep inside your tooth enamel. To ensure you achieve the desired results, your dentist repeats the same steps several times.
Take-home teeth whitening kits
If you want a more affordable treatment option, consider a take-home teeth whitening kit.
A teeth whitening kit has two mouthpieces and a bottle of whitening solution. You line the mouthpieces with the whitening solution and wear them for several hours a day when it works with your schedule. Take-home teeth whitening takes a little longer, but the results are just as stunning.
How long do the results of teeth whitening last?
The results of teeth whitening last anywhere between three and four months*, but it’s possible to extend them by practicing good oral hygiene. The team at Family Dentistry of West Chester recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing regularly
- Visiting the office every six months for professional teeth cleaning
- Drinking dark beverages through a straw
- Quitting tobacco
Practices like these can extend the results of your teeth whitening procedure for weeks or even months.
To explore the various benefits of teeth whitening, make an appointment at Family Dentistry of West Chester by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.