From a Straight Face to a Sensational Smile
Smiles enchant, enliven, and encourage us. They, intrigue, inspire, and invigorate us. And certainly, smiles radiate joy. Some of us, however, refrain from smiling, not because we’re unhappy, but because we’re self-conscious. We hesitate to smile because we don’t have bright, pearly whites to flash. Discolored teeth may render us straight-faced, making us appear joyless.
Dr. Joy Arend of East Portland Dentistry is undoubtedly joyful. And she wants her patients to feel comfortable and confident expressing their joy through wide, white-toothed smiles. Dr. Arend and the hygienists at East Portland Dentistry welcome patients to explore teeth whitening and offer the following information to start you on your way to a sparkling smile.
Do Whitening Treatments Really Work?
Here’s great news: Most people have success whitening their teeth. After a routine oral examination, Dr. Arend can advise on the likelihood of whitening treatment working its magic. At East Portland Dentistry, the treatment of choice is a take-home whitening gel that patients wear in custom-made trays. Dr. Arend will take impressions of your teeth and craft custom-made trays to ensure complete and comfortable coverage of the teeth.
Only a dentist can custom fit trays, and only products dispensed from a dentist can do more than simply lighten teeth. The take-home whitening gel that East Portland Dentistry offers its patients breaks down discolored molecules in the teeth, truly whitening and not just lightening stained teeth.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Dr. Arend will advise on the length of time needed to produce optimal results. Typically, the course of treatment is one to four weeks. Patients may need to wear the trays from as little as half an hour per day to as long as overnight. Dr. Arend and the hygienists at East Portland Dentistry will guide this determination and will also be available to provide desensitizing treatments, should you experience sensitivity. Note that sensitivity from tooth whitening treatment is fairly rare and typically subsides within days.
Will My Pearly Whites Stay White?
Results generally last several years, giving patients plenty of time to confidently burst into smiles. Because the treatment does not weaken teeth, it can be safely repeated if discoloration returns. Dr. Arend and the hygienists at East Portland Dentistry recommend avoiding excessive consumption of the following products as they have been proven to discolor teeth:
- coffee
- tea
- soda
- red wine
- dark fruit juices
- sports/energy drinks
- blueberries and blackberries
- pomegranates
- beets
- tomato sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- soy sauce
- curry
- tobacco (We recommend zero consumption of all tobacco products.)
Please note that this list is not comprehensive. Visit us at East Portland Dentistry for further information.
Ready to Smile?
Dr. Joy Arend and all those at East Portland Dentistry want our patients to smile widely and regularly. Your smiles have the power to enchant, enliven, encourage, intrigue, inspire, invigorate, woo, wow, and warm others. Don’t miss these opportunities! And most of all, we want you to show and share your joy. Smiles have been said to be contagious. It’s time for an epidemic!
Call to schedule your consultation with East Portland Dentistry today.