Here at Team Popp Dental in Chattanooga, we know that if you don’t feel comfortable about the clarity of your smile, it can feel pretty awful. Studies are clear about the relationship between your smile and self-esteem, success in business, and even dating, so it makes sense that you want to have confidence when you show your pearly whites to the world. We asked the Doctors Tom, Colton, Leah, and Bryson to sit down with us and develop your guide to teeth whitening, and we’ve published the results below. Read on!
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth Whitening is the process of lightening the color of your teeth. Often a desirable step when the teeth become discolored for a variety of reasons, tooth whitening is a popular and safe procedure that uses various clinical methods to achieve the desired result.
Tooth Whitening is safe and effective and will not damage the enamel or dentin of your teeth. It is a simple, highly effective cosmetic process that Team Popp guarantees will bring back the smile you love.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth Whitening can work in numerous ways. While over-the-counter options can be effective in some cases, they have a limited scope and are often ineffective in cases of more severe discoloration. Not only that, but they are only capable of targeting the front six teeth. Whitening rinses and pastes are largely a marketing tool, as any toothpaste or dentist-approved mouthwash will have a similar effect.
Your Team Popp professionals can help whiten your teeth in the office or with take-home tools. In the office, we will perform what is known as chairside bleaching. This will involve a series of administrations of peroxide-based bleaching agents, so we recommend chairside if your budget allows for it.
If the bleaching agent is left on the teeth for too long, it can increase tooth sensitivity by damaging the protective enamel or even lead to tooth dehydration. For this reason, if you choose our at-home options, it is essential to follow our doctors’ instructions closely.
In-Office Procedure
The in-office process will involve inserting a cheek extractor into the mouth to expose the teeth, after which we’ll paint a liquid rubber dam or hardening resin onto the gum tissue. This protects the gum from irritation caused by the bleaching agent. Bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth, left on for several minutes, and then rinsed or suctioned off. We’ll repeat this process a few times.
After this, you’ll rinse, then your doctor will measure the shade change. According to the results, we may schedule you for a follow-up appointment.
At-Home Procedure
Should you choose an at-home whitening process, our doctors will customize a whitening plan specific to your needs. These treatments will be more effective and comprehensive than over-the-counter at-home whitening kits.
Since we customize the trays to you, your teeth will receive a much more complete whitening than over-the-counter options. Additionally, we’ll prescribe a more potent bleaching agent than is available without a dentist’s approval. This means that, as with any medical procedure, it is crucial to take your at-home whitening process just as directed.
Results will appear within several weeks. While less rapid than in-office procedures, this is a dramatic improvement to the several months of over-the-counter options.
Is Teeth Whitening Right For Me?
As previously mentioned, tooth whitening is a safe and effective procedure, but there are some circumstances in which it may not be right for you. Tooth Whitening should be delayed or avoided if you are in the following categories:
- Pregnant or lactating
- Have orthodontic equipment such as fillings, implants, crowns, or dental bridges
- Younger than 16 years of age
- Suffer from periodontal disease, cavities, tooth decay, or exposed roots
- Allergic to peroxide or similar bleaching agents
- Have sensitive teeth
Here at Team Popp, we pride ourselves on customer service, so be sure and ask if you have any additional questions or concerns regarding your tooth whitening process.
Call Today for Your Free Consultation!
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about teeth whitening with us today! With two convenient locations on Hixson Pike and Gunbarrel Road, Team Popp Dental is Chattanooga’s preferred solution for dental and orthodontic care.
Doctors Tom, Colton, Leah, and Bryson Popp know all about teeth, and they also know all about family! And that’s what you are when you call us for your dental and orthodontic care needs – family. We can’t wait to hear from you!