Teeth whitening offered by your Salem, OR, dentist, Dr. Igor Sitnik of Sitnik Dental, provides a simple way to transform a dull smile. Whitening only takes about an hour and offers impressive results.
Whitening targets the source of stains
Nearly every white surface becomes duller over time, and tooth enamel is no exception. Your enamel becomes stained due to aging, consuming dark or brightly colored foods and beverages or smoking.
Teeth whitening treatment uses hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to break apart and remove stains. The gel seeps into microscopic pores in your enamel where stain-causing pigments collect.
Although over-the-counter whiteners also use hydrogen peroxide, your dentist uses a stronger formulation that removes stain quickly and safely. In fact, most people only need one whitening session in our Salem dental office to achieve their desired results. Results vary from person to person, but many people lighten their teeth by three to eight shades with teeth whitening.
Keep in mind that the whitening gel won't change the color of crowns, bridges or veneers. You may want to have these restorations replaced with lighter ones if you plan to whiten your teeth.
What happens during whitening
If your teeth haven't been professionally cleaned recently, you'll need a dental cleaning before you can whiten your smile. Unfortunately, the hydrogen peroxide gel can't penetrate plaque and tartar. If those substances remain on your teeth during whitening, you won't achieve uniform whitening.
The first step in the whitening process involves applying a protective gel to your roots and gums and placing retractors in your mouth. The plastic retractors hold your cheeks and lips away from your teeth during whitening.
Once these safety measures are in place, your dentist will apply the whitening gel with a brush. Approximately 60 minutes later, the gel will be removed, and you'll get to see your renewed smile in the mirror.
You can also whiten at home with trays and whitening gel provided by your dentist. You'll need to use the trays for a few weeks for optimum results. Take-home trays can also be used for occasional touchups after professional whitening.
Thanks to teeth whitening, there's no need to settle for a dull smile. Call your dentist in Salem, OR, Dr. Sitnik of Sitnik Dental, at (503) 363-5962 to schedule your appointment.