Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a simple way to dramatically enhance your smile and help you feel more confident. Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, and the team at Affordable Dental Associates in El Paso and Socorro, Texas, offer in-office teeth whitening to remove years of stains from your teeth in a single visit. Teeth whitening treatments take less than an hour and deliver significant results. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that removes built-up stains and bleaches the color of your teeth. While many over-the-counter (OTC) options can effectively remove extrinsic (surface) stains, they can’t penetrate the deeper intrinsic stains. Professional teeth whitening is the most effective treatment to dramatically brighten your smile in an hour or less.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. When applied to the teeth, these peroxide-based solutions react with the stain molecules to break them apart and make them easier to remove. 

In-office treatments contain higher concentrations of these peroxides than OTC products. As a result, they deliver more dramatic outcomes. 

What does teeth whitening involve?

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, the Affordable Dental Associates team can perform a comprehensive dental exam to determine the best method for you. Next, you may undergo a teeth cleaning to ensure your teeth are free of plaque and bacteria before your whitening treatment.

Once your teeth are clean and dry, the team uses dental barriers to protect your gums and lips from the whitening solution. 

The team then applies a whitening solution to your teeth. Depending on your treatment, they may leave the solution on your teeth for 15-20 minutes, remove it, and repeat the process. The team may also activate the whitening treatment with an LED light.

Who benefits from teeth whitening?

Nearly anybody with discolored teeth can benefit from in-office whitening. Many people experience tooth discoloration as they age due to the following:

• Drinking red wine, coffee, or tea 
• Eating curry, soy sauce, or marinara sauce
• Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics
• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
• Practicing poor oral hygiene
• Grinding your teeth

Genetics also play a role in how the color of your teeth develops. Individuals with thick enamel tend to have whiter teeth than individuals with thin enamel. Too little enamel exposes the darker dentin, causing your teeth to appear yellow.

How do I maintain my smile after teeth whitening?

Proper oral hygiene can help maintain your bright, white smile after teeth whitening. Along with brushing and flossing twice a day, the team recommends visiting at least twice a year for teeth cleanings. You can also return for maintenance whitening treatments to prevent stains.

Call Affordable Dental Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about teeth whitening.