what is Teeth Whitening?
From the very first day of having a full set of adult teeth, everything from foods and drinks to habits and genetics work to stain our teeth. That’s why at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, we offer the latest, fastest, most powerful teeth whitening solutions in Dallas, TX, and the Metroplex to help you reclaim a brighter, whiter smile. Using the Zoom! In-office whitening system and convenient at-home kits, Dr. Hamlett and Dr. La Mastra can reduce the appearance of stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and natural aging to get your teeth up to 6 – 8 shades whiter.
What Are The Benefits Of Teeth Whitening?
A personalized teeth whitening treatment plan at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS can significantly brighten up your smile with a number of great benefits like:
- Offers customizable treatment options
- Can brighten teeth in as little as 30 minutes
- Can achieve up to 6 – 8 shades of whiter teeth
- At-home whitening options
- Treatments are easy and comfortable
Am I A Candidate For Teeth Whitening?
Just about everyone wishes their smile was a bit brighter, making almost anyone a candidate for professional teeth whitening. The best candidates for a teeth whitening treatment by Dr. Hamlett or Dr. La Mastra include patients who:
- Are over the age of 16
- Have tooth stains or discoloration
- Have healthy teeth and gumså
- Want effective, long-lasting results
- Do NOT have fillings or dental restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.)
- Do NOT have periodontal disease, tooth decay, or exposed roots
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What teeth whitening options are there?
Zoom!
The Zoom! whitening system is one of the quickest, most effective teeth whitening systems available today that produces dramatic results. Our team will apply a specialized gel to your teeth using a customized tray similar to a mouthpiece. The customized tray is comfortable to wear, allowing you to hold it in place for about two hours. During that time, a specialized light source interacts with the gel to break up even the strongest stains and discolorations. While you are having your teeth whitened, you are free to listen to music, use your phone, or simply rest your eyes. By the end of your appointment, you will have a smile that looks like it did years ago. Zoom! whitening has been clinically proven to brighten teeth safely and effectively up to 6 – 8 shades whiter.
Zoom QuickPro
If you are short on time or need a quick touch-up, Zoom QuickPro provides a convenient solution. It's a fast whitening varnish that can give you a noticeably brighter smile in 30 minutes and only takes minutes to apply.
In addition to our highly effective in-office Zoom! whitening treatments, Hamlett & La Mastra DDS also offers options to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. Our at-home teeth whitening solutions include:
NiteWhite
NiteWhite kits offer comfort and convenience, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home to get great results — especially when paired with an in-office Zoom! treatment. We’ll take an impression of your teeth and use it to create custom-fitted mouth trays designed to hold a powerful bleaching gel that is much stronger than anything you can buy at the store. Simply use your kit as directed, and within about a week, you’ll see a dramatically whiter smile.
What Causes Our Teeth to Stain?
Discoloration can be caused by several external factors. These types of stains, called extrinsic stains, may include coffee, red wine, tea, dark-colored foods and drinks, tobacco, and everyday wear and tear. Over time the protective layer on our teeth, the enamel, allows stains to be held within its pores. The enamel, which started out bright and white, then becomes more transparent and permits the yellow color of the tooth’s core to show through. Our teeth whitening treatments effectively remove these stains and provide patients with whiter, brighter smiles.
What Can I Expect After Teeth Whitening?
Following your teeth whitening session, you may experience some sensitivity to cold or hot beverages, but this usually subsides within a few days. Like all dental procedures, regular dental exams are crucial to maintaining your results. These examinations will check for everything from gum tissue health to the state of each tooth. When the whitening procedure is finished, we generally advise coming back for touch-ups a couple times annually, in addition to professional cleanings that will help your oral health. Remember that just because your teeth are white doesn't necessarily mean they are healthy. That's why routine exams are still needed. You will also be provided careful instructions regarding what food should and shouldn't be consumed in the immediate future, for example coffee and red wine.
Teeth Whitening FAQ
Will teeth whitening work for me?
While we’re able to help most patients achieve phenomenal results with professional teeth whitening, some situations may require a different approach. If you have fluorosis due to overexposure to fluoride as a child, or you’ve endured discoloration because of a medication you’re taking, then you may consider another route like porcelain veneers for improving your smile.
Will there be restrictions on what I can eat and drink?
After we brighten your smile, the last thing you want is to take actions that are counter-productive to the results you’ve achieved. Thus, we encourage limited consumption of dark foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee, tea, sodas, soy sauce, tomato paste, etc. Avoiding these can help you get the most mileage out of your beautiful new smile.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
The tooth whitening procedure itself doesn't hurt, but it’s not uncommon to experience some tooth sensitivity up to 48 hours after your teeth have been whitened. The discomfort can be intensified if you consume foods or beverages that are higher in sugar. Usually, the symptoms will soon subside. If you’re typically prone to tooth sensitivity, consider using toothpaste with fewer abrasives.
How long can I expect my teeth whitening results to last?
One of the benefits of having your teeth professionally whitened is that the results can last up to three years. The ultimate determinant will be how well you take care of your teeth. By brushing and flossing after every meal and maintaining regular visits to our office for checkups and cleanings, you can get maximum longevity.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Because we know that our patients’ needs and budgets vary, we offer several options for teeth whitening. When you visit our office for a consultation, we’ll work with you to determine what will be the best option. Based on the route you choose, we’ll provide you with an accurate price estimate.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed by a professional like those at Dr. Hamlett and La Mastra, teeth whitening is safe. The materials used have been proven effective and have minimal side effects, primarily tooth sensitivity that typically subsides shortly after treatment.
A Brighter, Whiter Smile
Whitening can create quick and dramatic improvements to your smile and your overall look. If you've been contemplating a teeth whitening regimen, but aren't sure whether professional or over-the-counter options are the suitable alternative, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamlett and Dr. La Mastra to explore the benefits and disadvantages of each method before you make your choice.
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