Teeth Whitening

So, you’ve noticed your teeth don’t quite have that bright, dazzling, wow factor they used to. They’re a little dull, stained, and yellow. Maybe it’s from that daily coffee you need every morning (not giving that up, how else are you supposed to function?!), maybe your dental hygiene routine isn’t as good as it once was, or perhaps you don’t have the best genetics. No matter the reason, we know a person’s smile can either be a source of confidence, or a source of insecurity.

If you’re relating more to the latter, don’t worry. At Willow Springs Dental we’re experts in cosmetic dentistry, which yes, includes professional teeth whitening! If you’re unhappy with the state of your smile and are looking for options, we’ve got your back. Let’s look at the options you have to get those pearly whites back…and your confidence!

The Basics

Professional teeth whitening is a common service offered in cosmetic dentistry, with an ever-growing popularity. The main chemical agents that are used in whitening of the teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, both of which research has proved safe for use when done in the correct way and with the proper amount. (Hence why professional teeth whitening is safer for you than any DIY teeth whitening treatment). For decades, hydrogen peroxide has been a popular agent in teeth whitening due to the fact that it is so effective in giving the desired results. Hydrogen peroxide, along with the other whitening agents used in bleaching gel, work by acting on your teeth's dentin and enamel, oxidizing both, which results in a cleaner, whiter appearance of the teeth. Two of the most common ways for individuals to achieve a whiter smile are over-the-counter treatments, and professional treatments. Let’s take a deeper look at those ever-promising over-the-counter teeth whitening options.

Be Wary of Over-the-Counter Promises

Flipping through a magazine, watching TV, scrolling through your phone. One way or another, you’ve probably encountered quite a few ads for over-the-counter teeth whitening products promising a quick and budget friendly way to whiten your teeth at home, with guaranteed results. The cheapest options typically tend to be whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. Sure, they both work to remove stains from the surface of your teeth with these mild abrasives, but the fact of the matter is they do not actually lighten the color or shade of your teeth. They simply remove the day-to-day surface stains that build up on your teeth and will leave you feeling disappointed with your results.

‘Paint on’ over-the-counter teeth whiteners are another common option you see on the market. Paint on whiteners are pretty self-explanatory, they are made up of a gel that you apply to the surface of your teeth by quite literally painting it on with a small brush. The gel then hardens into a type of film that covers your teeth and then eventually dissolves in your mouth. The problem with this strategy is the same as with whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. They promise a bright, white smile, but truly only work to remove surface stains from your teeth.

The most popular form of over-the-counter teeth whitening, and perhaps the most ‘effective’, is whitening strips. They are made up of a flexible and thin plastic called polyethylene with some form of a hydrogen peroxide gel on of side of the strip. You apply a strip to both the upper and lower teeth by placing them on your teeth, folding them over, and gently pressing to ensure they make contact with the entire surface of your teeth. They are then worn for about 30 minutes a day, twice a day, until you achieve the desired result. The only problem here is they are much less effective than professional whitening, so not only will you be unable to achieve your desired result, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have increased sensitivity in your teeth if you’ve used the whitening strips for too long!

Achieving the Pearly Whites You’re Dreaming Of

We know you might be disappointed about the effectiveness of over-the-counter teeth whitening products, and rightfully so! You purchase the product hoping to achieve a whiter and brighter smile but get results no different than you would from your typical brushing habits. The good news is Willow Springs Dental offers professional teeth whitening. Whitening that will truly give you the color you desire!

The first option we offer is an in-office bleaching treatment with Zoom 2. Zoom 2 is phenomenal, because not only does it whiten your teeth by several shades, but it also helps to strengthen tooth enamel, creating less sensitivity! The process takes no more than 90 minutes, and once complete you’ll see immediate results. No lengthy, weeks long process. Just one and done!

If you prefer an at-home whitening option, but don’t want the low quality from over-the-counter options, we can help you there too! We often give our patients at-home kits with the prescribed bleach from our office. We provide you with all of the necessary tools and instructions to perform the whitening process on yourself. When whitening your teeth at home, even with a professional treatment, it often takes a couple of weeks to achieve the full, desired results, but you will see a difference in as little as just three days! Once complete, your smile will be four to ten shades brighter than when you began the treatment!

Professional Teeth Whitening in Las Vegas

There are plenty of reasons to consider professional teeth whitening. It can work around your schedule with in-office or at-home treatments, all prescribed treatments are effective, easy and safe, and the results will be quick and noticeable! But most importantly, professional teeth whitening can help bring your confidence back and give you the smile you deserve. If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, give us a call at (702)867-2745 or schedule a consultation today!