Professional Teeth Whitening Services

Following orthodontic treatment at Robison Orthodontics, you can maximize the cosmetic benefits of your new smile through teeth whitening services. Professional teeth whitening treatments can brighten your teeth by several shades – but a pleasing smile isn’t the only upside to whiter teet. A 2022 poll found that Americans find people with beautiful and straight teeth to be more trustworthy, confident, and beautiful.

Whether you are seeking teeth whitening for personal or professional reasons, the benefits are clear. Learn more about our professional teeth whitening services.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

A leading cause of tarnished teeth is poor dental hygiene. Lackluster brushing and flossing habits can lead to plaque and tartar buildup that discolors teeth. Diet is another common cause of teeth discoloration, as dark-colored foods and drinks can stain enamel. Tea, coffee, red wine, and certain fruits are common culprits that can stain teeth over time. People who use tobacco are also at increased risk of having discolored teeth.

However, discolored teeth can happen naturally, as well. One factor that no one can avoid is aging, and as we become older, our enamel slowly wears down. This can make it easier for teeth to stain or reveal the yellow dentin layer beneath the enamel. Even regular brushing and dental check-ups cannot fully prevent teeth from slowly losing their whiteness and luster over time. 

Teeth Whitening

If you are insecure about certain aspects of the appearance of your teeth, you are far from alone. Around 60% of Americans say they are insecure about their smile. Since two of the most common causes of cosmetic dental problems are crooked teeth and tooth discoloration, orthodontic experts have developed procedures for amending both of them. However, it’s important to point out that there is a significant difference between professional and over-the-counter teeth whitening. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products often cannot fully reverse dental discoloration caused by aging, diet, and other factors. 

Whatever the cause of your dental discoloration, professional teeth whitening services under the supervision of your trusted orthodontist can remove stains, leaving your smile looking youthful, attractive, and healthy. 

Treatment Options For Yellow Teeth

Teeth Whitening gel

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, there are multiple options to whiten them. As mentioned, one option is to try your luck with an over-the-counter whitening product that promises to brighten smiles, but those products may not deliver the results you are looking for.

You can have veneers placed over your teeth. This option will brighten your smile, but veneers require the removal of enamel, meaning your natural teeth will be irreversibly altered. Veneers do not last forever and will eventually have to be replaced. 

The most effective option is to undergo teeth whitening in Gilbert at Robison Orthodontics. Our orthodontists have access to professional whitening gels that cannot be found at retail stores.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

A beautiful smile can help you make a great first impression. More than two-thirds of Americans find that someone who has a beautiful smile and shows it appears more confident, attractive, and even more trustworthy. If you’ve been hesitant to smile, teeth whitening can give you the boost of confidence that you may have been missing.

Personal Life Benefits

The benefits of teeth whitening can help your personal life by providing you with the confidence you need to make important moves. Completing an orthodontic treatment can go a long way toward revamping your smile. However, even straight teeth may not appear as polished and healthy as they could. The combination of white and straight teeth can boost your confidence and may even make you more attractive to a potential partner. 

Workplace Benefits

Making a good impression is also beneficial in the workplace. Whether you are looking for a promotion or to strengthen your leadership role, a bright and white smile conveys confidence. Having beautiful teeth can also motivate you to smile more often in the workplace, which can convey the right personality traits to your coworkers.

Teeth Whitening Benefits

Non-Invasive Treatment

Professional teeth whitening treatment at Robison Orthodontics is safe and effective. Unlike veneer placement, teeth whitening is non-invasive, meaning the cosmetic treatment does not alter the natural structure of your teeth. Your teeth do not have to change in any way, and there is no significant risk of damage to your teeth and gums when you work with a dental professional.

Side effects following your professional teeth whitening will likely be minimal. Some people may be sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks for a day or two following treatment. Still, tthe whitening agents used at our office are completely safe to use.

Long-Lasting Results

Many people are pleased to learn that teeth whitening results can last for years, especially when you maintain good oral hygiene habits and minimize the consumption of foods and drinks that stain your teeth. You do not have to live without pleasures like red wine and chocolate, but brushing immediately after enjoying these foods and drinks can help you maintain your cosmetic results after undergoing teeth whitening in Gilbert. 

Drastic Results

Professional teeth whitening treatment can deliver drastic cosmetic results. After about one hour of undergoing the cosmetic treatment at our office, you will notice whiter, brighter teeth. Many of our patients notice that their teeth are several shades whiter. We love giving people something to really smile about.

Cost-Effective Treatment

Compared to veneers, dental crowns, and other treatments, teeth whitening is comparatively more cost-effective. Our office offers take-home kits and in-office treatments, and no matter which you choose, you will enjoy drastic cosmetic results without risking your budget.

Professional Whitening Treatments vs. Over-The-Counter Options

There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments available at retail stores and online, and many promise similar results as professional treatments. However, this is not true. Any product you buy off the shelf may not deliver the cosmetic results you are looking for. One reason for this is that over-the-counter products are restricted to low percentages of the active whitening agents that remove stains and whiten teeth. Even with repeated use, you may ultimately be disappointed in the cosmetic results of these types of products.

By contrast, professional teeth whitening offers drastic results that will not leave you disappointed. Many of our patients are shocked by how bright their smiles are after just one hour in our office or after completing treatments at home using our professional take-home kits. Once completed, the cosmetic benefits will last for several months or longer. 

It’s also important to note another benefit professional whitening services offer that over-the-counter products may not be able to consistently deliver: safety. Dental trays that come with OTC kits may not fully protect your gums from bleaching agents. Our dental professionals take steps to protect your gums from being exposed to whitening gels.

Are You a Candidate For Teeth Whitening?

The vast majority of our patients who want a more beautiful smile are great candidates for teeth whitening. If you are planning to undergo orthodontic treatment using Invisalign or another of our effective teeth-straightening options, you will likely want to complete that process first. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, our orthodontists can assess your candidacy for teeth whitening.

Beautiful Smile

Signs of Discoloration Due to Diet and Oral Hygiene Habits

Your orthodontist will look for signs of stains and discoloration that are treatable using teeth whitening. These are known as extrinsic stains. Any stain on the surface of teeth is considered extrinsic. By contrast, stains that are well below the enamel level are considered intrinsic stains. Teeth whitening is very effective at lifting extrinsic stains, but it may not be as effective at removing intrinsic stains that are harder to reach. 

Not all stains can be lifted using professional whitening treatment, but the vast majority of stains can be significantly reduced through our teeth whitening sessions. Discoloration due to diet and less-than-optimal oral hygiene habits can be reduced, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter.

Teeth Whitening Works at Any Age

People of all ages can be great candidates for teeth whitening at our office. As mentioned, even with excellent oral hygiene, over years and decades, teeth can become tarnished and dull. Whether you are in your 20s and looking to revamp your smile or a senior who wants to recapture some of the beauty of your youth, our orthodontists can customize a cosmetic treatment that leaves your teeth several shades whiter.

Dental Cleanings Before Teeth Whitening

Before any cosmetic treatment, a dentist or orthodontist will want to ensure that you are in good oral health. Any lingering cavities, gum disease, or other oral health problems should be addressed before teeth whitening services can begin. 

Most people who are completing orthodontic treatment at our office are in good oral health. Following the removal of your traditional braces or the last set of Invisalign aligners, you may need professional cleaning to remove any remaining plaque or tartar. This step is important because teeth whitening works best when there are no layers or buildup blocking the whitening gel from reaching the surface of your teeth. Your orthodontist will also conduct a final polish with pumice.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?

The teeth must be dry for teeth whitening to be fully effective. Dental professionals have a variety of tools to assist in this process. Once your teeth are clean and dry, the orthodontist will isolate your teeth by placing gauze and retractors to pull your tongue, lips, and cheeks away from the surface, ensuring they will remain dry. After a barrier is placed between your teeth and gums to prevent the gel from coming in contact with your gums, the teeth-whitening process begins with the application of a whitening gel to the front surfaces of your teeth. 

The whitening gel will need to remain on your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the difference between your tooth color and your goals. In some cases, the orthodontist will need to re-apply the gel. Throughout the process, a member of our team will make sure that you are comfortable and that the whitening gel does not come into contact with your gums. Our whitening gels can brighten teeth by up to eight shades, and your orthodontic professional will continuously tailor the process and monitor the results to meet your cosmetic goals. 

Finally, when your teeth are your desired shade or the maximum application time has passed, your orthodontist will rinse your teeth. We may also apply fluoride to help prevent any sensitivity.

How Whitening Agents Work

Modern teeth whitening gels safely remove stains and discoloration from the surface of teeth by using powerful whitening agents. These gels typically contain active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in higher concentrations than what you can find over the counter. 

The whitening agents penetrate the enamel and break down the molecules responsible for staining before lifting up the stains and removing them from your enamel. This process effectively lifts away surface stains, revealing the bright, white enamel beneath.

Teeth Whitening gel

After In-Office Whitening

Teeth whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some individuals. These minor side effects will gradually fade. It is generally advisable to avoid very hot and cold drinks and food immediately after undergoing teeth whitening. After a few days or a week at most, your teeth should feel completely normal.

It is also important to avoid smoking and other tobacco use, as well as dark or brightly-colored foods like tea, coffee, wine, and even mustard. If necessary, schedule a follow-up appointment to complete your teeth-whitening journey.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

We also offer take-home whitening kits that you can use in the convenience of your home. This option is great for anyone who wants to complete the treatment at a time that is convenient to their schedule. The kits we offer are completely different from the over-the-counter versions you see on retail shelves and online. 

The major benefit of using our kits is that you will have professional guidance throughout the process. In addition, in some cases, teeth whitening at home can be a more cost-effective alternative to in-office treatments, partly because there is minimal time commitment on the part of our team. 

Teeth Whitening at home

Most importantly, rather than using flimsy store-bought trays, you’ll have the benefit of working with custom-fitted trays that are both comfortable and protective. The purpose of custom trays is to hold the gel in place while it oxidizes away stains and to protect your gums by placing a protective barrier between the gel and the soft tissues of your mouth. 

To make your custom tray, a member of our team will first make a dental impression. When your trays arrive, you can begin undergoing the teeth-whitening treatments at home. The at-home treatments require one hour of treatment time a day for two weeks. Professional at-home teeth whitening treatments generally cost more than over-the-counter options, but the added cost is well worth the drastic cosmetic results.

Tips For Maintaining Your Revamped Smile

Following your teeth whitening services at Robison Orthodontics, you will want to maintain your bright new smile. Your orthodontist can provide practical tips for maintaining your new smile, and you can rely on these proven tips.

Buy Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

One way you can maintain your cosmetic results is by using toothpaste and mouthwash products that contain whitening agents. There are not enough whitening agents in these over-the-counter products to drastically lift stains, but they can help you maintain your cosmetic results for years. 

Watch What You Eat

Your diet is one of the most significant factors that will influence how long you retain your cosmetic results following teeth whitening at our orthodontics office. Certain foods and drinks contain staining agents. Coffee, tea, chocolate, and red wine are common culprits. As mentioned, it is essential to avoid these items immediately after whitening services.

In the long run, switching from black coffee to iced coffee and red wines to rosé varietals can greatly reduce the staining effects of these drinks. Cutting back can help, but if you do indulge, consider brushing your teeth afterward or at least quickly swishing some mouthwash to remove the excess staining agents from your mouth. The amount of time these foods and drinks are in contact with your teeth is a significant factor in determining how stained your teeth will become.

Brush and Floss

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is important for your oral health and the appearance of your teeth. Brushing removes plaque before it calcifies into tartar and can help remove minor surface stains from your teeth. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush that can do an even better job of removing surface stains from your teeth.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Today

Combining teeth whitening with orthodontic treatment can deliver drastic cosmetic results. Once you have completed your traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatment, you can maximize the cosmetic benefits of having straighter teeth by whitening your teeth by several shades in the convenience of our dental office.

Teeth Whitening

The professionals at Robison Orthodontics are proud to provide teeth whitening in Gilbert to our valued patients. If you prefer the drastic cosmetic results of teeth whitening at our office, we’ll be glad to schedule teeth whitening treatments so you can maintain your beautiful white smile.  If you’d rather whiten your teeth at home, we’ll be glad to send you home with special whitening kits that you cannot find at retail stores. 

To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, contact our office today.