Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening makes it easy to eliminate stains caused by coffee, tobacco, and/or the aging process. It brightens your teeth so you can smile confidently again. At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, general dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, provides in-office teeth whitening with the Opalescence™ Boost™ system. She also offers at-home teeth whitening trays so you can brighten your teeth at your own pace. Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a teeth whitening consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry. It uses non-toxic chemicals, like carbamide peroxide, to remove stains and/or discoloration from your teeth. 

Most people experience tooth discoloration as they get older. Teeth whitening treatment effectively turns back the clock, ensuring your smile looks bright, white, and healthy. 

Why do teeth change color?

Teeth naturally change color because of aging. Over the years, biting, chewing, and tooth brushing cause the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) to wear away, revealing more of the yellow dentin beneath.

Other things also cause tooth stains, including:

• Drinking beverages like coffee, cola, and soda
• Prescription medications, like tetracycline
• Using tobacco products
• Eating certain foods, like tomato-based sauces and berries
• Oral trauma
• Poor oral hygiene

Teeth whitening provides a safe and effective way to address these issues. A quick in-office treatment can make your smile significantly whiter. 

Are there different types of teeth whitening?

At SolidSMILES Dental, Dr. Patel provides several types of teeth whitening treatment, including:

In-office teeth whitening with Opalescence Boost

Opalescence Boost is a teeth whitening treatment developed by Ultradent Products Inc. It contains hydrogen peroxide and a proprietary teeth whitening blend that eliminates tooth stains in just 40 minutes.

During in-office teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Patel applies a whitening gel to the surfaces of your teeth. The gel sits for 15-20 minutes while your teeth absorb the solution. Afterward, Dr. Patel uses a light to activate the whitening solution, eliminating stains and discoloration.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home teeth whitening trays are removable plastic appliances that fit snugly over your teeth. You line the trays with an Opalescence whitening gel and wear them for 3-4 hours daily, whenever it’s most convenient.

Take-home teeth whitening takes longer than in-office whitening treatment but provides similarly stunning results. 

Are the results of teeth whitening treatment permanent?

The results of teeth whitening treatment aren’t permanent, but they usually last 3-4 months on average.* For optimal results, Dr. Patel recommends routine maintenance treatments. These maintenance treatments prevent stains from coming back, so your smile stays bright and white. 

Good oral hygiene can extend the results of teeth whitening treatment. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit SolidSMILES Dental every six months for preventive dental cleanings.

Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a teeth whitening appointment, or book your visit online today.

*Individual results may vary.