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Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can improve the color and brightness of your teeth. It's one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Teeth whitening treatments are a simple and effective way to brighten your smile. The treatment involves applying a bleaching agent to the teeth in order to remove stains and brighten their color. This can be done at our offices or at home. 

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Whitening Kits

Cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for patients to brighten their smiles with professional treatment as well as at-home products. Both treatments can lighten stains and remove the yellow tinge from teeth; however, only one option allows the patient to maintain their results indefinitely.

While professional in-office teeth whitening gives the quickest results, some patients prefer the convenience of an in-home whitening kit that they can use on their own time. Since both have similar results, it's up to the patient to decide which option they prefer. If they want the best results and the fastest results, then a professional whitening session is their best choice.

The powerful bleaching agents used in a dentist's office are able to penetrate and remove deep-set stains from tooth enamel. However, these gels need to be applied carefully by a trained dentist or dental hygienist to avoid harming the gums and other soft tissue in the mouth. If the gel comes in contact with gum tissue during the procedure, it can cause irritation that requires additional aftercare to heal. Furthermore, when a patient whitens at home, they must learn to apply the product correctly and be aware of potential side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gum sensitivity.

Once you've addressed the causes of tooth discoloration, it's time to consider teeth whitening treatments to give your smile a boost just in time for the new year! You can contact a dentist to schedule an appointment for a professional whitening treatment. These treatments are more effective than over-the-counter options because they deliver results in about an hour as opposed to waiting several days for the effects. You can also help whiten your teeth by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. For example, avoid consuming dark juices or soda, and try to quit smoking, which can stain your teeth. Also, be sure to brush twice per day and floss once per day to remove all the food particles that can get trapped in between teeth and cause staining. 

Call Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at (386) 445-6111 if you wish to learn more about ways to maintain good oral health. We are located at 17 Old King's Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, give our dental office a call. We’re happy to answer them. Happy holidays!