Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the color of your teeth, effectively removing stains and discoloration. It remains one of the most popular choices for enhancing the appearance of a smile.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening treatments are used to address various types of stains, including those caused by food, beverages, and smoking. It also helps brighten teeth that have naturally yellowed with age or have become discolored due to medications or previous dental procedures. Many people choose teeth whitening to boost their confidence and enhance the appearance of their smile.

Different Whitening Methods

There are three primary methods for whitening teeth, each offering varying levels of effectiveness:

Professional In-Office Whitening

At Monroe Smiles we use Phlips Zoom! for in-office whitening. This procedure is performed in the dental office by our team and begins with the application of a protective gel to the gums, followed by a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth. A specialized light is then used to activate the whitening agent. This process is repeated during the session. Many patients notice a significant improvement after just one session. To maintain and continue to improve whitening results, we recommend at-home professional whitening after Zoom! treatment.

At-Home Professional Whitening

At-home whitening kits are provided by dental professionals and use custom-fitted trays. Patients fill these trays with a lower-concentration peroxide gel and wear them for a specific amount of time each day, usually over a period of one to two weeks. While this method delivers faster results than over-the-counter products, it may take longer to achieve full results compared to in-office whitening.

Post-Treatment Care

After whitening, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity or mild gum irritation, which generally subsides within a few days. Using fluoride products like toothpaste can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity by remineralizing teeth and blocking pain signals. It is recommended to avoid dark-colored food and drinks for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment to prevent the risk of re-staining the teeth.

Longevity of Whitening Results

The duration of teeth whitening results varies based on the method used and individual habits. Professional in-office treatments can last between one to three years with good oral hygiene and limited exposure to stain-causing food and drinks. At-home treatments might need to be repeated more frequently, while over-the-counter products often provide results that fade more quickly.

Maintaining Your Whitening Results

To keep your teeth looking their best after a whitening treatment, consider these tips:

•	Brush twice daily and floss regularly
•	Limit or avoid stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco
•	Use a straw when drinking dark-colored drinks
•	Rinse your mouth with water after consuming foods or drinks that can stain
•	Schedule touch-up treatments as needed
•	Incorporate whitening toothpaste into your routine to help maintain the brightness of your smile

While teeth whitening isn't a permanent solution, proper maintenance can significantly extend the longevity of your results.

Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening?

Though teeth whitening is generally safe, it is not suitable for everyone. It may not be recommended for pregnant women, individuals with sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn enamel. Whitening patients must have an exam and gum health check at Monroe Smiles prior to whitening treatment. Additionally, whitening treatments do not work on dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Monroe Smiles at (360) 467-6386.

Contact Information

14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105
Monroe, WA 98272-1456

(360) 467-6386
drj@jljdds.com

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm