Teeth Whitening – Mount Pleasant, TX
Get the Bright Smile You Deserve
Are you tired of hiding your teeth because they’re stained or discolored? Even though it’s completely normal and happens to everyone for many reasons (i.e., worn tooth enamel, overconsumption of dark-colored foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, genetics), that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. Luckily, we’re here to help. Dr. Sikes offers professional teeth whitening in Mount Pleasant to help you get a smile you can confidently show off. To learn more about this cosmetic service, continue reading or call our office and schedule a consultation!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most people may not know this, but there are two types of tooth discoloration. Intrinsic discoloration occurs on the inner layer of the tooth (dentin). Over time, the dentin darkens, creating the appearance of a yellowed smile. On the other hand, extrinsic discoloration affects the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). If it can’t be removed with your usual at-home dental practices, a professional whitening treatment may do the trick.
Anyone with stained or discolored is likely eligible for teeth whitening in Mount Pleasant. Of course, the only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate is by visiting Dr. Sikes for a consultation. He’ll evaluate your oral health, ask about your goals, and review your medical history to determine your candidacy.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
During your consultation, Dr. Sikes will explain the two types of teeth whitening he offers. Even though the timeline for each one is different, they’re both equally capable of helping you achieve a whiter, more confident smile. It’s worth noting that each option uses safe, effective, dental-grade products that are superior to what can be purchased at your local store.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’d rather undergo treatment at your convenience, a take-home whitening kit may be the ideal solution for you. Dr. Sikes will provide you with custom-made trays and a high-grade bleaching gel so you can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home. You’ll be instructed to wear the trays for a certain amount of time each day for two weeks. Once you’re done, your smile should be noticeably brighter!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Once you get the blinding white smile you’ve always wanted, you’re going to want to keep it that way! Here’s how you can maintain your hard-earned results for as long as possible:
- Limit your consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., soy sauce, curry, soda, coffee, red wine)
- Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash)
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
- Kick bad habits to the curb (i.e., smoking, chewing on your fingernails, using your teeth as tools)
- Ask Dr. Sikes about coming in for touch-ups
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
No, professional teeth whitening gels do NOT damage healthy enamel. That said, even store-bought brighteners can lead to problems if your teeth and gums aren’t healthy. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist first! They will conduct a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth aren’t decayed and your gums aren’t infected. Then, we will create your custom treatment plan, answer any questions you have, and begin the teeth whitening process. The final result will be a healthy and beautiful smile.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Teeth Whitening?
Like many other patients, your dental insurance provider may not cover the cost of teeth whitening. Don’t worry – there’s another way to make the price of lifting stubborn stains more affordable: CareCredit! This third-party financier offers several payment plans. We recommend taking a look at your monthly budget and then selecting the payment plan that works best for you. The good news is that many of their options have little-to-no interest attached as well, and signing up only takes a minute or two.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening doesn’t hurt, but it can lead to sensitivity. That’s why we recommend not drinking anything hot or eating anything cold following your treatment. If you are prone to sensitivity, then you may find it helpful to use a desensitizing toothpaste and space out your treatments as well. That way, your journey to your dream smile is as comfortable as possible.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Since we offer take-home whitening treatments, you might be curious how they differ from store-bought products (outside of price, of course). We mentioned one important difference above: our treatments start with a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the entire process. Our products are also clinically tested, safe, powerful, and customized to your specific smile goals. We also use custom trays instead of one-size-fits-all ones, so the end result isn’t splotchy or uneven. If you are interested in more on the topic of why professional teeth whitening is worth the investment, schedule a consultation with our Mount Pleasant dental team!
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Although the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever, they can last for well over six months if you take good care of your smile! That starts with brushing and flossing consistently and extends to rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash each evening. It’s also important that you keep your consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages to a minimum and that you break unhealthy habits, like smoking. Lastly, visit us for touch-up whitening treatments as needed so we can maintain your bright, beautiful results.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Unfortunately, no. In fact, using whitening products on dental crowns can weaken the bonding material holding them securely in place, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your dentist before pursuing teeth whitening – whether with professional treatments or OTC products.