How an Occlusal Guard Helps Relieve TMJ Symptoms
Many factors can cause TMJ symptoms, including pain and stiffness in your jaw. Here’s what you need to know about how occlusal guards work and how to find relief for your TMJ symptoms.
How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening
As your teeth become discolored or stained over time, you might want to consider a professional teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening may be ideal for anyone who hopes to make healthy but dingy teeth to the perfect shade of sparkling white.
While the results of a professional teeth whitening treatment may leave you with newfound confidence, the procedure does not produce permanent results. If you've recently had your teeth whitened, there are some steps you can take to maintain your bright, beautiful smile for as long as possible.
At Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, we offer in-office or at-home teeth whitening options. Ramin Mahallati, DDS, can help you achieve and maintain a brilliant and attractive smile.
Why do teeth become discolored?
As you age, your teeth naturally become discolored and exhibit a yellow, gray, or purple appearance. Using tobacco, drinking dark-colored beverages, and failing to maintain good oral hygiene contribute to staining. Certain antibiotics like tetracycline or excessive fluoride may contribute to tooth discoloration.
Professional teeth whitening can deliver quick results in a short amount of time under the supervised care of one of our dental professionals.
Results from professional whitening have proven to be more effective and longer-lasting than over-the-counter treatments. Not everyone benefits from professional whitening, though. If your teeth are brown, gray, or purple, you may not benefit from this treatment.
What to expect from a professional whitening treatment
Teeth whitening can make an instant and noticeable difference in your smile by lifting years of stains and fixing discoloration. In-office teeth whitening is the most effective option capable of lightening your teeth up to eight shades in as little as an hour.
Before the procedure, Dr. Mahallati examines your teeth and reviews your medical history to determine if you would be a good candidate. Dr. Mahallati places a plastic guard in your mouth to protect your soft gum tissue from coming into contact with the bleaching gel. Then he applies the topical solution to your teeth and points an activating light toward your mouth.
When the procedure is complete, Dr. Mahallati removes the mouthguard and provides you with a fluoride treatment that seals your results. If you have sensitive teeth, you may experience increased sensitivity after treatment.
At-home teeth whitening requires the use of a tray that resembles a mouthguard. You pour a peroxide-based bleaching gel into the tray, then place that tray over your teeth. You repeat the process several hours daily for a maximum of four weeks.
Adhere carefully to Dr.Mahallati's instructions for the at-home treatment to avoid side effects, such as bleached or burned gums.
Maintaining your teeth whitening results
Keeping to a regular schedule of oral maintenance and hygiene by brushing and flossing daily helps to extend your results. Avoid dark beverages like wine, coffee, or soft drinks, or drink them through a straw, and don’t use tobacco, which can stain your newly whitened teeth yellow.
Make whitening a regular part of your dental hygiene routine by scheduling periodic touch-ups. Our office can help you maintain healthy, vibrant teeth with regular checkups every six months.
If you're interested in brightening your smile, don't hesitate to call our office or book an appointment online today.
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