If you want to brighten your smile, teeth whitening is an excellent solution. While you can purchase an over-the-counter whitening kit, these tend to be less effective than professional whitening. Here’s how this treatment can improve your smile. 

FAQ About Professional Teeth Whitening

Is professional whitening effective for everyone?

Some stains respond better to whitening than others. Yellowish stains usually respond best to whitening procedures, while darker brown stains are tougher to remove using this method. Fortunately, darker stains can be addressed via bonding or veneers. 

How long does whitening last?

This usually depends on a person’s oral hygiene. If you brush and floss daily, avoid stain-causing food and drink, and don’t smoke, your results could last as long as a year. However, if you don’t follow the above advice, you may need to have your teeth whitened every few months or so. 

Does whitening have side effects?

Common side effects include sensitivity and gum irritation and are usually minimal. If your teeth are sensitive, your dentist can tweak the whitening solution to mitigate issues. You can also brush with toothpaste made for people with sensitive teeth before the teeth whitening treatment. 

How does dental work respond to whitening?

Whitening solutions don’t damage dental work. However, artificial teeth and tooth-colored fillings cannot be lightened using bleaching solutions. As a result, there may be a disparity between this dental work — which is dyed to match your existing tooth color — and your newly whitened teeth. 

Professional teeth whitening can give you the smile you want. Kennedy Dental Group in Anchorage, AK, provides in-office whitening along with take-home trays to touch up your smile when needed. They’ll also advise you on the best practices for maintaining tooth color, including regular cleanings with Dr. Kerry Kennedy. Schedule an appointment today by calling (907) 277-5684 or visit their website for more information.