Teeth Whitening – Springfield, MO
Brighten Your Smile on Your Own Time
Even though you’ve brushed and flossed every single day for years, your teeth look yellower than they used to be. Maybe you’ve tried buying whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, or gels from the drugstore, but they never quite got your smile as bright as you’d like it to be. Here at Galleria Dental of Springfield, we have the solution to your problem. Dr. Eric Tolliver, your trusted cosmetic dentist, offers professional teeth whitening using Zoom! Whitening. Give our dental team a call today to learn more about this easy, convenient, and effective way of brightening your smile!
Why Choose Galleria Dental of Springfield for Teeth Whitening?
- Professional-Grade Take-Home Kits for Stunning Results
- Dentist with Advanced Training in Cosmetics
- Personalized Care for Each Patient
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are actually two types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Our professional whitening treatment is often enough to remove both of them.
Extrinsic tooth stains develop on the surface of the enamel. Typically, they form as a result of smoking or consuming too many highly pigmented foods and drinks (wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, etc.). Regular dental hygiene and teeth cleanings may be able to clear away extrinsic stains, but in some cases, professional teeth whitening may be required.
Intrinsic tooth stains are more severe, developing beneath the tooth’s surface. They may occur for many reasons, including physical trauma, certain medications or medical conditions, overexposure to fluoride during childhood, or the thinning of tooth enamel (which happens naturally with age). Over-the-counter products cannot usually correct these stains, but Zoom! Whitening could very well help.
How Teeth Whitening Works
First, Dr. Tolliver will capture impressions of your teeth, using them to create custom trays that fit your unique smile perfectly. Then, he’ll provide you with the trays, which you’ll fill with a professional-grade bleaching gel and wear on your teeth. The gel is not subject to the same restrictions as store-bought products, making it several times more potent.
With this convenient take-home teeth whitening treatment, you can brighten your smile on your own time, from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is wear the gel and trays for a certain amount of time per day, normally about 30 minutes. After a couple of weeks of daily use, your teeth should be six to eight shades whiter!
Making Your Results Last
No teeth whitening treatment is permanent, but you can do a few things to make your results last as long as possible, including:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day (and using a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week)
- Flossing at least once daily
- Visiting our dental office every six months for a routine dental checkup and cleaning
- Quitting using tobacco products
- Limiting foods and drinks that notoriously cause tooth discoloration
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to enhance your smile, teeth whitening is an excellent way to do so. It is one of the most popular and affordable cosmetic treatments out there. However, you may still have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about teeth whitening. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, just give us a call! We’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they are afraid that the procedure will be uncomfortable. Fortunately, professional whitening treatments are entirely customized, so you are significantly less likely to experience tooth sensitivity. If your teeth have been more prone to sensitivity in the past, let us know. By spacing out treatments, avoiding hot beverages, and using a special toothpaste, this unpleasant sensation can be avoided.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to stains and discoloration, you may be a candidate! The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with us. Your smile will be carefully examined to ensure that you don’t have any untreated dental issues, like periodontal disease or tooth decay. If your teeth and gums appear to be in good shape, we can move forward with your treatment plan!
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
No, professional teeth whitening will not damage healthy enamel. However, if your teeth are being affected by decay or gum disease, the chemicals present can cause additional issues. This is why it’s so important to conduct a comprehensive dental exam beforehand. If you opt for an at-home remedy, like using activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide, this can also do more harm than good. Overusing whitening products can wear away your enamel over time. Ultimately, if you are looking to safely whiten your teeth, you should always see a dentist first!
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. Whitening gels can even weaken the bond between your tooth and restorations, therefore causing complications. Make sure that you are disclosing your dental history during your initial consultation. There are numerous steps you can take to prevent your crowns from becoming discolored over time, like refraining from smoking and limiting your consumption of dark-colored beverages. If you are unhappy with the shade of your dental crown, it can be replaced to better suit your smile goals.