Joseph Van Mieghem DDS
Family Dentist located in Lynnwood, WA
Whitening teeth is one of the most comfortable and most noticeable changes you can make to improve the appearance of your smile. At Joseph Van Mieghem DDS in Lynnwood, Washington, whitening procedures are non-invasive and straightforward dental treatments that change the color of your tooth enamel. Book an appointment today to achieve your perfect shade and feel confident flashing your smile.
Teeth Whitening Q&A
Why should I get a teeth whitening procedure?
At-home teeth whitening systems can improve the appearance of dull or stained teeth slightly. However, these products can’t achieve the same level of whitening that a professional procedure can. Moreover, if you have dental restorations like crowns or veneers, whitening products won’t work on unnatural surfaces.
With teeth whitening at Joseph Van Mieghem DDS, you can:
- Remove brown or yellow stains on your teeth due to smoking, coffee, or other lifestyle factors
- Achieve a uniform color in all of your teeth
- Gradually lighten your teeth to avoid any pain or sensitivity
How does the teeth whitening process work?
If you choose to whiten your teeth, you need two dental appointments. On your first visit, your dentist creates molds of your teeth to create customized plastic trays to hold the whitening solution.
Your dentist can give you a special gel or solution to use, or you are welcome to use over-the-counter whitening products, which work much better when used in custom trays that were made to fit your mouth.
After your trays are available, you have a second appointment where your dentist makes sure they fit correctly. You receive instructions on how to wear the trays for optimal results. In most cases, this involves wearing them either overnight or twice per day for several weeks.
What can I expect after teeth whitening?
When whitening your teeth, it’s entirely normal to experience sensitivity. Fortunately, this discomfort should stop once you have finished your bleaching treatment. If it doesn't, sensitivity toothpaste can help with the symptoms.
It’s important to remember that teeth whitening isn't a permanent procedure, so to get the most out of your results, you should avoid foods and beverages that could stain your smile, including wine, tea, soda, and coffee. Additionally, you likely will need an annual touch-up to maintain your beautiful, white smile.
If you have restorations and you opt for teeth whitening, it’s recommended that you replace them after the bleaching process is complete. Doing so ensures they match the new and improved color of the rest of your smile.
To learn more about your teeth whitening options at Joseph Van Mieghem DDS, book an appointment today using the online scheduling system.