Perry S. Kest DDS, LLC

Teeth Whitening Overview

A smile makes people look and feel better. But discolored teeth can hold you back and make you self-conscious.

Southbury Professional Whitening Teeth Services

That is why people spend money on over-the-counter teeth whiteners. But these products often need to be stronger to be effective. For example, whitening strips only brighten the six front teeth. They don’t fit crooked teeth well, either. These strips are also costly in the long run because their weak concentrations require prolonged use to be effective.

Supervision is the safest. A teeth whitening dentist ensures you get the bang for your buck with the best results. This is because you get higher whitening concentrations tailored for your teeth.

Benefits of Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening Services

A dentist-supervised teeth whitening service ensures whiter teeth with zero guesswork that comes with OTC whiteners. A dentist evaluates. They clear away any complications you might experience. Furthermore, they can give you options based on a healthier smile.
Following a consultation, your dentist can check up on the status of your teeth. They can inform you of what your teeth need and what better cosmetic dental procedures are right for you. Sometimes, a patient may have dental issues that your dentist must fix first.

When you receive an at-home procedure, you know you’re getting enough concentration to whiten your teeth. Then, depending on the whiteness of your teeth, your dentist can gauge how long the process can take to get a brighter smile.

 

A common problem people experience with teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. But with your dentist on your side, they monitor your progress and minimize your discomfort for a more painless journey to whiter teeth.

Is the Teeth Whitening Procedure Safe?

The teeth whitening procedure is safe. But you may experience a few discomforts. You may experience teeth sensitivity. Your gums may become irritated when they come in contact with the whitener. But your dentist will be there for you to adjust to your comfort. The sensitivity and irritation will disappear once you no longer use the whitener.

What are the Different Ways a Dentist Whitens Teeth?

Here in our practice, we help whiten your teeth through dentist supervision with the following:

At-Home Teeth Whitening Service

This service may take longer, but you can do it in the comfort of your home. First, we will make a mold of the inside of your mouth. We will then use the mold to create a soft custom mouth tray for you.

Because you’ll be wearing your mouth tray at home, we will apply less concentrated whitening agent. You may wear the mouth tray for 30 minutes, depending on your teeth. Depending on the patient, some may even wear it at night while sleeping instead. This procedure can take 3-10 days to brighten your smile.

How do you Qualify for Teeth Whitening Services?

Do you have teeth that look stained or discolored? Whitening your teeth can be for you. External factors such as food, drinks, and smoking habits cause teeth discoloration. However, internal factors can cause teeth discoloration too. It includes aging, medicinal side effect, infection, trauma, or childhood illness.

But there are cases where whitening teeth services are only for some. For example, pregnant and lactating women must avoid the procedure for some time. It’s not also for kids.

People with allergies to whitening components and people taking certain medications may need to take a rain check. In addition, those with chronic conditions and hypersensitive teeth will not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

If so, your dentist can guide you to more suitable cosmetic dental procedures.

Lastly, if your dentist finds dental problems like gum disease or enamel issues, they may need to be addressed before continuing.

If you qualify for a teeth whitening service, here is what to expect in Dr. Perry Kest’s practice.

What to Expect at a Whitening Consultation

Visiting Dr. Kest for a consultation will let you know if your teeth and gums are healthy for the treatment. It will also allow you to discuss your dental history and goals for a better smile.

For example, if you plan to get dental restorations like a dental crown, its color may not match your whitened teeth afterward. However, discussing it with Dr. Kest gives you uniform teeth whiteness.

“I drive 45 min here and this entire practice is well worth it in so many ways. So professional. Clean teeth every time with Martha as well as procedures to include fillings and crowns. Dr. Tomassi is flawless. Thanks all. Keep up the great work.” – Christian Evans

“I drive 45 min here and this entire practice is well worth it in so many ways. So professional. Clean teeth every time with Martha as well as procedures to include fillings and crowns. Dr. Tomassi is flawless. Thanks all. Keep up the great work.”

Christian E.

How to Prepare for Teeth Whitening Treatment

As mentioned, a teeth whitening service may take 30 minutes or more. Therefore, ensure your stomach is full before your appointment.

Most importantly, your teeth should be clean before treatment. 

Whether you are a candidate for either mentioned treatments above, clean teeth ensure even application of the whitener. Remember to floss and brush your teeth before the procedure.

Before your treatment, Dr. Kest will also give you a professional dental cleaning. This cleaning will remove hardened tartar and plaque.

What are the Common Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?

After your treatment with Dr. Kest, you may experience common side effects after whitening your teeth. It can be mild tooth pain, gum irritation, or sensitive teeth. Fortunately, we can help you manage these side effects.

Why are Teeth Sensitive after Whitening?

Your teeth may hurt or feel sensitive because the whitener is absorbed inside and irritates the tooth’s pulp or nerve. Your gums can also feel irritated when exposed to whitening agents.

Will Teeth Whitening Sensitivity go away?

Yes, teeth sensitivity can wear off after a few days. During that time, we will recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth to alleviate the discomfort. For gum irritation, you can rinse with saltwater.

What is the Aftercare for Teeth Whitening?

In the first 48 hours, we recommend avoiding eating food that stains your teeth. Teeth whitening treatments cannot protect your teeth from future staining.

Colorful food and drinks like carrots and juice can affect your whitened teeth. Avoid coffee, tea, and dark sauces for now. Acidic foods like citruses can also stain. Within the first 48 hours, opt for light-colored, non-acidic, and calcium-rich foods like milk and white meat.

A checkup with Dr. Kest will also ensure your progress is going smoothly. We can also monitor any side effects you are experiencing and adjust accordingly to your case.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening can last from six months to three years. A lot of factors can decrease the duration, including smoking.

After whitening your teeth, your goal is to keep them white. You will have to limit food and drink that stains. Keep colorful and acidic foods and drinks in moderation.

For dental care, using teeth-whitening toothpaste can help prolong your whitened teeth. In addition, brushing twice a day and using mouthwash and floss once a day can keep your teeth bright and healthy.

You can also consider touch-up whitening treatments once or twice a year.

Costs of Teeth Whitening in Southbury, Connecticut

As mentioned before, professional whitening is expensive -at a one-time cost. The costs of teeth whitening services in Southbury are similar to other states.

At-home whitening can cost up to $500 with less than $50 annual maintenance costs. Here are some of our patient’s commonly asked questions:

The main reason dentist-supervised whitening is expensive is the strong whitening agents used. You received a higher concentration than OTC whiteners, customized to how white you want your teeth to be. You also get immediate and visible results.

Most dental insurance plans don’t cover teeth whitening services. Professional teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. But here in our practice, we are happy to show you financial options to afford a bright white smile.

Your Answer to a Brighter Smile

Dentist-supervised whitening is the smartest way to whiten teeth. Your dentist helps you find the most effective method with immediate results. It also has lesser discomfort with our practice monitoring your progress.

Did you know people also experience a boost of self-confidence after whitening their teeth? Whiter teeth give the impression of looking cleaner and healthier. In addition, studies have shown that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more attractive, outgoing, and successful.

Don’t let discolored teeth hold you back. Start your journey to whiter teeth below.

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