For many people, having a bright, beautiful smile is the key to feeling confident. If your teeth have lost their luster, you might be seeking ways to improve their appearance. Teeth whitening services provided by your dentist can be an effective solution. The following guide offers an introduction to this service to help you know what to expect and prepare accordingly.

What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Who is an ideal patient for this service?

Essentially, anyone who wants a brighter smile can benefit from whitening. This service comes in a few different approaches to ensure a broad range of patients has access to its advantages.

For example, if your teeth are severely stained from smoking cigarettes or drinking a lot of coffee, a dentist might recommend traditional whitening methods, which penetrate the deep layers of the teeth. Conversely, if the discoloration is minor, you might be better off with a simple bleaching session, which only targets the outer enamel. 

What is involved in the process?

Your dentist will start by applying the treatment to the teeth. If you’ve opted for traditional whitening, they’ll apply a gentle abrasive agent. If you’ve chosen bleaching services, they’ll use a peroxide.

The substance will be left to sit on your teeth for about an hour, and the dentist will use a laser light to further the brightening process. The treatment will be removed once your teeth have reached your requested shade.

How long do results last?

Contrary to popular belief, the whitening effects won’t last forever. How long they persist is highly dependent on your lifestyle, including what you eat and drink and how you take care of your teeth. On average, most patients can go for roughly six months before they need a touch-up.

What can you do to extend the results?

Replace your toothpaste and mouthwash with products designed to whiten teeth further. Toothpaste that includes baking soda or charcoal can help you maintain a whiter smile through your daily regime. This will help keep your teeth bright between touch-ups.

Also, try to avoid drinking dark beverages like red wine or coffee. If you must drink these, sip through a straw to ensure the liquid doesn’t make contact with the teeth.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening services, turn to Montana Center for Laser Dentistry PLLC in Whitefish and Kalispell, MT. These expert dentists will work carefully and methodically to help you achieve a bright and beautiful smile. Call (406) 862-1010 for their Whitefish office or (406) 730-1010 for their Kalispell facility. Visit their website to learn more about their various dental services.