With teeth whitening procedure from our office, we can quickly and dramatically lighten and brighten your smile. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands with us. We use the latest generations of professional-strength teeth whitening systems to transform the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile that's several shades lighter, brighter, and more vibrant.

Personalized Care for Your Cosmetic Goals

As dedicated providers, our goal is to help every patient maintain good oral health and achieve their best-looking smile. We tailor treatments to individual needs and meet every patient's expectations of care. After examining your smile, we'll recommend the best in-office procedure or take-home whitening system to achieve your cosmetic goals.

Factors Influencing Tooth Color

The whiteness of your teeth depends on how they reflect and scatter light. External staining is typically due to food, beverages, or tobacco use. Internal tooth discoloration results from genetics, certain medications, tooth decay, restoration, and trauma. Aging also plays a significant role in tooth color, as the enamel thins, and the yellow inner layer of dentin becomes more apparent.

Understanding Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening or bleaching refers to any process that makes teeth appear whiter. There are many choices in teeth whitening products and procedures, from over-the-counter toothpastes, rinses, strips, or gels to professionally supervised treatments and customized take-home kits. Despite the many over-the-counter options, the best systems are professional-strength ones provided by a dentist. These systems offer a higher concentration of whitening components and are delivered to the teeth in the safest, most effective way.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Whitening products typically fall into two categories: peroxide-containing bleaching agents and whitening toothpaste or dentifrices. Most whitening systems contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. These ingredients permeate the enamel, and through a chemical reaction, oxidize and break up stains and discoloration.

Considerations in Care

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we combine the art and science of dentistry to create beautiful and healthy smiles. While teeth whitening procedures often produce satisfying results, not every type of stain or discoloration responds well. Whitening only works on natural teeth and does not change the color of dental fillings, crowns, or bridges. Teeth with yellow tones typically respond well, while brown and grayish teeth may require more intensive regimens or alternative treatments. A teeth whitening procedure may not be recommended for those with sensitive teeth, worn enamel, or significant gum disease.

Post-Whitening Care

Watch What You Eat and Drink: For the first 48 hours following treatment, avoid deeply colored foods and beverages to protect the results. Refrain from coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks, teas, berries, grapes, chocolate, and darkly colored foods. Instead, opt for water, milk, white wine, clear soft drinks, bananas, peeled apples, cheese, chicken, fish, pasta, oatmeal, potatoes, and bread without red sauces or dressings.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking stains and yellows teeth. If you've had your teeth whitened, refrain from smoking for at least a couple of days. Reducing or quitting smoking benefits the appearance of your smile and your overall health.

Managing Sensitivity: Some sensitivity to cold and hot may occur for a couple of days. This typically subsides. Over-the-counter pain medication and toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help.

Treatment Results and Maintenance

Teeth whitening results vary from patient to patient, influenced by the original shade of the tooth, diet, and oral habits. Whitening does not change the color of existing fillings, crowns, bridgework, or dental bonding. Proper oral hygiene and routine dental care are essential to maintain the results. We may also discuss a take-home whitening system for periodic touch-ups.

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a bright, beautiful smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!