At our Seattle dental practice, Ballard Dental Arts, we view your smile as a canvas for artistic transformation. Beyond prioritizing your dental health, we also strive to enhance the aesthetic beauty of your smile, ultimately boosting your self-esteem.
Our doctors’ artistic flair and extensive experience, we skillfully utilize treatments like Teeth Whitening or Veneers to tweak, adjust, or completely rebuild your smile. The outcome is a stunning, healthy smile that not only looks incredible but also leaves you feeling confident and empowered.
Kinds of Teeth Whitening
In-Office Whitening
Our in-office whitening procedure involves the application of a peroxide-based product and utilizes a high-intensity light or laser to enhance the whitening. The solution strength can vary from 15-35% carbamide peroxide gel and is applied several times, rinsed off, and reapplied, getting teeth up to eight shades lighter in less than an hour.
Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays
Take-home whitening systems can utilize the same concentration of peroxide but tend to have flavoring or fluoride added for improved taste and reduced sensitivity.
For this choice, custom-fit whitening trays are made in our office, and patients are sent home with the trays, whitening gel, and instructions. Dispensing the solution into the trays and wearing them for up to 2-hours a day can get a similar result as in-office treatments, but it may take up to two weeks.
Both in-office and at-home procedures are considered safe if done under the supervision of the dentist. The right whitening option for you depends on your goal for your teeth.
If you want to gradually and slightly whiten your teeth then whitening toothpaste and mouthwash may be enough. If your goal is to remove as much surface stain as possible and get your whitest smile, then professional whitening is the best option. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any questions.
So, Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me?
Whether or not to get your teeth whitened is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
Reasons to get your teeth whitened:
Instant Cosmetic Update
In just one treatment, your teeth can receive instant updates. They will appear whiter and brighter, with even tough stains significantly less noticeable. Your custom treatment plan may require additional whitening treatments to achieve your desired results.
Oral Health Motivator
Once you have achieved your whitening goals, you may feel more motivated to take even better care of your teeth. Proper brushing and flossing can help you maintain your results for as long as possible.
You can also protect the whiteness of your teeth by limiting coffee, wine, berries, and acidic foods like tomatoes. If you do enjoy one or more of these foods, brush well immediately after to prevent stains from settling in.
Quitting smoking will end the tobacco stains that can dull your smile, while improving your overall health.
Minimize Other Cosmetic Concerns
Believe it or not — whiter, brighter teeth can diminish the appearance of wrinkles. As a result of teeth whitening services, others won’t be so quick to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and other cosmetic flaws because your smile becomes the focal point of your face.
Whiter, healthier teeth can also give you a younger-looking appearance, taking a few years off your age just by enhancing your smile.
Self-confidence Booster
With improved oral health and stain-free teeth, you can enjoy a boost of self-confidence. You can see a significant difference in the brightness of your teeth in the mirror and your photos.
Teeth whitening is especially popular if you have an upcoming special event: Like your next class reunion, your wedding day, or that important presentation in front of your colleagues or clients.
Whiter teeth are something to smile about
With ultra-white teeth, you have all the reason in the world to smile again, making you appear friendlier and more approachable. There’s nothing to hide once the stains are gone, and you may even be inclined to smile for no reason at all.
Things to keep in mind:
- Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve your self-confidence and help you feel more comfortable when smiling and talking with others
- Professional teeth whitening can be done in a dentist’s office or with take-home whitening treatments as our dentists recommend.
- Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and may need to be repeated periodically depending on your lifestyle and habits.
- Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
In Conclusion
If you are experiencing discoloration and have healthy teeth and gums, you may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Schedule a consultation with Ballard Dental Arts today to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. We’re a no-judgment office, here to make you feel right at home no matter what shape your teeth are in.