Take Your Smile From Dull to Dazzling
Even if you maintain good oral health, your teeth may lose their whiteness over time. Discoloration or staining can occur as a result of several factors including diet, medications, and genetics. There are many teeth whitening products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that’s right for you.
Dr. Frederic Gaeta is proud to offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments. Read on to learn why professional treatments are safer and more effective than over-the-counter treatments.
What Causes Teeth to Stain
There are several reasons why teeth become yellowed, stained, or discolored over time, even if you practice good oral hygiene. Some factors that can cause your smile to dull include:
- Tobacco product use
- Drinking coffee, soda, or red wine
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetic disposition
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- Eating dark fruits
- Time
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Over-the-counter whitening treatments may seem like a convenient and easy way to achieve a whiter smile, but professional treatments come with several advantages that store-bought treatments can’t match. Some of these benefits include:
- Guaranteed results
- Expert care and better oral health benefits
- Personalized treatment
- Safer and more convenient process
- Short appointment time
Who’s A Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
While professional teeth whitening treatments offer a variety of benefits, they’re not suitable for every patient. At your initial consultation, Dr. Gaeta will determine if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening treatment by providing a thorough oral exam.
He may deem you ineligible for a professional whitening treatment if your teeth or gums are:
- Gray, brown, or unusually stained
- Transparent due to aging
- Extremely sensitive
To learn if you’re eligible for a whitening treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaeta by calling our Kailua-Kona office at (808) 329-3314.
In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment
We offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments for your convenience. Our in-office treatment can be completed in just one appointment at our Kailua-Kona office. This simple treatment involves applying a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. This entire process generally takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll be able to see results immediately.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment
Tray bleaching uses custom-made trays and a specially made whitening gel only available through dental professionals. To bleach your teeth, the whitening gel is placed in the custom-fitted trays, which fit perfectly over your teeth.
This process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes ten to 14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on which treatment you chose and your oral hygiene habits, teeth whitening treatments can last anywhere from six months to three years. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid alcohol and tobacco to preserve your newly whitened smile.
Unfortunately, restorations that use synthetic materials, such as dental crowns, veneers, and fillings, won’t respond to the whitening agent in these treatments. They may need to be replaced if you want them to appear whiter. You can also undergo teeth whitening before undergoing these procedures so your restoration will match your new smile.
There are a few side effects to teeth whitening, such as sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, but these side effects should all be temporary. Our professional whitening treatments are safe procedures that won’t produce any long-lasting side effects.
Your Journey to a Whiter Smile Starts Here
When you’re ready to achieve the sparkling white smile of your dreams, our professional whitening treatments may be the ideal solution. Contact our Kailua-Kona office at (808) 329-3314 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gaeta. You can also request an appointment online by filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve the dazzling smile you deserve!