FAQs About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening allows your dentist to apply a special solution to your teeth while using a small amount of light to create a brighter smile before you even leave the dentist’s office.

This cosmetic dentistry procedure whitens the surface of your teeth to make them look more naturally white. Teeth whitening does not improve the functionality of your teeth, just the appearance.

These products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

In-office teeth whitening allows professional staff to monitor results. You often see whiter teeth in a few minutes during one appointment. You may have fewer appointments versus more treatments with at-home products containing lower concentrations of whitening solutions.

Your teeth may get up to five shades whiter in an appointment that lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. 

At-home applications last eight minutes each for three days to whiten your teeth more gradually.

Our dentists use the GLO teeth whitening system. Our staff applies a small amount of whitening solution in gel form on each front tooth. Then we sit a simple tray against your teeth to apply light for a set amount of time. You will see whiter teeth in just one appointment.

No, when used properly and under the care of a dentist.

The American Dental Association (ADA) accepts two brands of whitening toothpaste with their seal, but not any teeth whitening products.

Yes, when under the professional care of a dentist or when used as directed for at-home kits.

Yes, our dentist office in Springfield, Missouri, can provide at-home kits for you.

1. Expect each appointment to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.
2. First, your dentist discusses your option for teeth whitening. You’ll get a chance to see your current tooth color and determine how white you want your teeth to go. The initial consultation goes through the process of teeth whitening and what to do before and after the procedure.
3. We’ll place gauze in your mouth to keep your teeth dry before applying the gel. We may also use gauze to protect sensitive areas of your mouth, like the tongue, cheeks, and gums.
4. Our dental staff will also use a retractor, or a tool that keeps your lips away from teeth, to help protect sensitive areas of your mouth. 
5. Next, we apply the gel to your front teeth individually. 
6. After that, we give you a specialized light to activate the gel. The light provides better and faster results. You’ll wear the mouthpiece for about 30 minutes. You may experience a slight tingling or feel the warmth of the light. During this part, you can listen to music and relax as the teeth whitening procedure works to make your smile brighter.
7. Finally, we rinse your mouth to clean away all of the gel.

In-office teeth whitening costs around $500. Compared to more gradual results with at-home solutions, your costs might be reasonable.

Your dentist will discuss this process with you if your mouth has any sensitivity.

No, because this procedure does not improve the functionality of your teeth.

Brush and floss your teeth before your appointment. Bring some music and earbuds or headphones to listen to, or perhaps some reading material as you sit back and let the GLO system work.

Carry on normally with your daily activities. You might avoid acidic or colorful foods that might stain your teeth for the first 48 hours after your appointment. Wait to drink coffee, tea, wine, and colas. Deep red and deep blue foods might cause stains. 

It may be best to try to avoid foods such as:  tomato sauce, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries. Also, for a couple days you can avoid extremely acidic foods like vinegar-based dressings or lemon juice.

Consider purchasing toothpaste designed for whitening teeth. Your teeth may be a bit sensitive following your appointment, so pick out a quality toothpaste to help with sensitive teeth.

Avoid teeth-staining foods over the long term to maintain your pearly whites. Coffee, black tea, chocolate, wine, colas, tomato sauce, and blueberries are the big ones that may stain your teeth over time. 

Smoking can gradually stain your teeth due to the effects of nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and cigars. Stop smoking to prevent yellowing of your teeth from these types of products.

A great oral hygiene routine can keep your teeth strong, as well as consuming calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Yes, through a regular regimen of oral hygiene.

This includes:

• Flossing twice a day
• Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste
• Using a mouthwash 30 minutes following brushing

Your teeth may turn different colors due to several reasons.

Plaque build-up. Plaque is the result of not brushing over time, and it creates a hardened, discolored layer on your enamel. This may turn your teeth yellow or brown. A dental hygienist can scrape away plaque, and then a regular regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing can keep plaque away.

Various foods and beverages. These include wine, tomato-based dishes, coffee, dark tea, and colas.

Smoking can cause tooth discoloration.

Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide can accomplish this. Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient in teeth whitening products. Consider mixing 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to make a homemade paste to brush your teeth.

Do you have more questions about how we can whiten your teeth? Contact Parkcrest Dental or call (417) 887-1220 for more information or to make an appointment with us.