How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

You’ve decided to take dingy and discolored teeth from dull to bright and sparkling. The results of your professional teeth whitening session have left you feeling more confident about your smile. Unfortunately, this is not a treatment that produces permanent results, and your teeth may eventually become stained again. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to extend your results. 

At Arya Dental in Fullerton, California, Dr. Saeed Mokhayeri, DDS, and Dr. Hengameh Safarcherati, DDS, are trained professionals who can help you achieve the brilliant and healthy smile of which you’ve dreamed. 

Why do our teeth become discolored? 

Professional teeth whitening is carried out under the supervision of one of our dentists and can deliver quick results in a short amount of time. This method of whitening has proven to be more effective and longer-lasting than traditional over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. If you are a frequent tea or coffee drinker, your teeth may become yellow over time. Regular tobacco use has also been known to stain teeth. 

As we age, our teeth become yellow and discolored. Consumption of tetracycline, excessive fluoride, or certain antibiotics can contribute to tooth discoloration in the early stages of its formation. Tooth bleaching works best for people whose teeth are yellow and is not as useful for teeth that have a brown, gray, or purple appearance. 

What to expect from professional whitening 

At Arya Dental, we offer in-office Zoom whitening treatment, a safe and effective bleaching treatment that combines a topical solution with an activating light to remove years of unsightly stains. The treatment can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in as little as an hour as you relax in the dentist’s chair. 

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Makhayeri or Dr. Safarcherati will examine your mouth and review your medical history to determine if you will benefit from tooth whitening. Patients whose teeth become discolored because of trauma or thinning of their enamel would not be good candidates for teeth whitening, but may benefit from veneers or crowns. 

A soft plastic guard will be placed in your mouth to protect soft tissue against the bleaching solution. The bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, and the special activating light will be pointed in the direction of your teeth. Protective glasses will be provided to you as a safety precaution, and you may listen to music during the procedure. 

When the treatment is complete, the mouthguard and whitening gel will be carefully removed by one of our dentists. A five-minute fluoride treatment will follow the process, which will seal and protect your results. 

Arya Dental offers the Zoom teeth whitening treatments for at-home use as an alternative option. One of our dentists will provide you with dental trays, a bleaching gel, and instructions on how to follow the treatment plan. For the best results, you should adhere to guidelines concerning how long you must wear the trays for each day, repeating the process for a couple of weeks. 

How can I keep my teeth white?

After your teeth whitening treatment, it is important to continue maintaining regular dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth will help extend your results. You can schedule check-ups with our office every six months to guarantee that your teeth remain healthy. Another option would be scheduling regular touch-ups and keeping to periodic teeth whitening treatments to maintain a bright and beautiful smile. 

Certain foods and beverages have been known to contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Darkly pigmented drinks like wine, coffee, tea, and soda will cause staining and should be consumed through a straw. Tobacco products have been linked to oral cancer and tooth loss, but may also be responsible for severe yellow or brown discoloration. 

If you hope to maintain your results, you should avoid smoking. Your teeth may become sensitive as a result of treatment, but this sensitivity should not persist beyond a few days. Do not use whitening kinds of toothpaste or mouthwash, as they may contribute to increased sensitivity. 

If you’re considering professional teeth whitening with Zoom, call our office or book an appointment online today.