Professional Teeth Whitening Keokuk, IA
Professional teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable procedure that brightens and enhances the appearance of people's smiles. This cosmetic dental procedure can effectively remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, aging, and more. People who receive this procedure can achieve a smile that is several shades whiter and brighter.
If you want to enhance your smile's appearance, professional teeth whitening may be the right option for you. We provide professional teeth whitening at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Keokuk and the surrounding area. Call us today at (319) 313-7220 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Having a great smile can have an impact on an individual's business and social interactions. The National Institutes of Health points to several studies showing beautiful teeth can boost self-esteem and aid people in social situations and relationships. In the business world, an attractive smile can help bring employment opportunities and aid in career advancement. The self-confidence gained by having a pleasing appearance is equally important for both men and women.
Several teeth whitening options abound on the market today. However, professional teeth whitening remains the best, most personalized option. Only a dentist knows how to bring about the best results possible — all with a personalized touch.
“The National Institutes of Health points to several studies showing good-looking teeth can boost self-esteem and aid people in social situations and relationships.”
Candidacy for Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a viable treatment option for many people. However, patients should have a consultation to determine whether they are an ideal candidate for this treatment. Anyone who is allergic to peroxide, the whitening agent, should not get this treatment. We also do not recommend teeth whitening for pregnant or lactating women.
Candidates should be in good oral health, without gum disease or worn down enamel. Cavities should get treated before people can consider getting their teeth whitened. Teeth whitening works best for people with yellow teeth, but some patients with brown teeth have also received positive results. Gray or purple discoloration indicates trauma or decay, which cannot be fixed by teeth whitening.
“Anyone who is allergic to peroxide, the whitening agent, should not get this treatment.”
Peroxide in Teeth Whitening
According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide to cause a chemical reaction that removes stains. Hydrogen peroxide has been an ingredient in teeth-whitening and oral care products for decades. It is the primary active ingredient in many at-home and professional whitening products.
This chemical compound reacts with and oxidizes the double bonds between the stain and the tooth's surface to lighten discoloration. Over-the-counter whitening products use 3 to 20% peroxide-based bleaching agents. Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.
“Professional teeth whitening is more effective because the bleaching solution is much stronger, containing 15% to 43% peroxide.”
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Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening can brighten teeth by up to 10 shades. This treatment involves spreading a bleaching agent on teeth and using a special laser that generates heat to enhance its effectiveness. This speeds up the bleaching process for quick and dramatic results.
Although laser whitening is not long, it is precise. This treatment should only be performed by a licensed professional. Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.
“Not all patients qualify for this procedure, so it is essential to speak with our team to determine whether this service is right for them.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who should receive professional teeth whitening?
Q. What is peroxide's role in teeth whitening?
Q. What is laser teeth whitening?
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
Q. Why should I get my teeth whitened professionally?
People Also Ask
Q. What are teeth whitening options at the dentist?
Q. What are the common cosmetic dental services?
Q. What are the benefits of teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
Why Candidates Should Consult a Dentist
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, including toothpaste, strips, and mouthwash, are less expensive options than professional care. However, they are also much less effective. Many consumers are disappointed with these products, which have a much lower peroxide concentration and must be used for several months. In some cases, people have damaged their teeth from overusing these products. Final results are also often not as bright nor as long-lasting as in-office treatments.
“Many consumers are disappointed with these products, which have a much lower concentration of peroxide and must be used for several months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will my insurance pay for treatment?
A. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. Because the process is not vital to a patient's health, many insurance carriers do not cover it. Always consult your provider before making a decision.
Q. How long does teeth whitening last?
A. Depending on the whitening solution, how it is administered, and the patients themselves, results will vary. The effects of OTC whitening products will typically last several weeks to several months, while professional teeth whitening usually lasts several years.
Q. How does teeth whitening work?
A. A dentist provides professional teeth whitening by applying a peroxide solution to teeth. The peroxide penetrates the enamel and begins oxidizing tooth molecules. This process causes teeth to reflect more light and appear colorless or white.
Q. Does teeth whitening hurt?
A. Professional teeth whitening administered by a dentist does not hurt because trays are custom-made to fit a patient's teeth. OTC products use a tray that is the same for each consumer. That means they cannot control the amount of peroxide used or the possibility of the solution leaking onto the gums and causing irritation.
Q. Will whitening remove smoking stains?
A. Most stains caused by smoking can be removed by professional teeth whitening. Every patient is different, however, and some teeth may not respond as expected. In cases such as these, patients may want to consider veneers or other alternatives.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Our team at Buffalo Prairie Dental can help. Call us today at 319-313-7220 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 1999.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Lee County, Clark County, Hancock County, Des Moines County and Scotland County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Keokuk, Wayland, Montrose, Hamilton, Warsaw, Burlington and Memphis
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