Teeth Whitening Aftercare 
Teeth whitening is one of the most economical cosmetic dentistry treatments available and is often all that a patient needs to achieve the smile they have been dreaming of. It is quite simply a means of lightening the teeth, without removing any of the enamel. Teeth whitening will not affect a complete change in tooth color, but it can whiten your teeth by several shades, and with proper teeth whitening aftercare, can last a long time.
Why Would You Need Teeth Whitening?
Hardly anyone has naturally brilliant teeth, and as we age, it is not uncommon for our teeth to become dull or dingy. You can also cause your teeth to become discolored due to lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking tea, coffee or cola drinks, and consuming red wine. Staining most commonly occurs on the surface of the teeth, but can also get into the underlying tooth structure through tiny cracks in the enamel.
What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Consist Of?
The best means of teeth whitening is through professional bleaching from your dentist. This involves applying a whitening gel to your teeth using a tray that fits in your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient. As it breaks down, it allows oxygen to get into the tooth enamel. This is how the teeth whitening takes place. Typically, teeth whitening begins in your dentist’s office, and then you will be provided with additional trays to take home.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Once you have completed your teeth whitening, aftercare that is effective and consistent can ensure that the effects will last a long time – usually about three years. The key to teeth whitening aftercare is not just to brush and floss, but also to work to control the habits that caused the staining in the first place. In other words, if you smoke, now would be a very good time to stop. It would also be wise to cut back on the beverages that cause staining, or if you must indulge, to brush your teeth afterward.
Keep in mind too that crowns and fillings will not respond to whitening treatments, so if you have a lot of dental bonding, especially on your front teeth, or you have crowns, you may find the results of a whitening treatment displeasing. For most people, though, it can work wonders to improve the appearance.
Contact Our Teeth Whitening Dentist in Overland Park
To book a whitening treatment, get in touch with us at KC Smile. We are located at 12850 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 200. You can contact us by phone at 913-491-6874, or online by using the form on our Contact Us page. To learn more about teeth whitening, read our teeth whitening FAQs, learn if you are a candidate for teeth whitening, the benefits of teeth whitening and an overview of the procedure.
