Up to 67% of American adults have tried to whiten their teeth at some point, making this the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment by far.
To begin the process, you’ll need to come and see Dr. Eastwood for a consultation. If he approves you for teeth whitening, he will take impressions of your teeth. These molds will be sent to a dental lab, which will make a set of custom whitening trays to fit your teeth perfectly.
In a couple weeks, you’ll come back to Summerbrook Dental to pick up your trays. Then, Dr. Eastwood will give you a set of customized whitening products, as well as instructions on how to use them.
Most people whiten their teeth at home for about an hour a day, but the specifics of your treatment may vary. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to see your maximum results.
You should maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, and make sure to see Dr. Eastwood every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. Dr. Eastwood can provide you with more instructions on how to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening.
The results of your whitening treatment will usually last 1-2 years. Proper oral hygiene is essential for maximizing the lifespan of teeth whitening, as mentioned. Preventing the buildup of plaque, tartar, and stains will ensure your smile looks its best.
You can also take some other steps to keep your teeth bright, like reducing your intake of wine, coffee, or tea, or using a straw when drinking these beverages. Using whitening toothpaste and/or mouthwash can also help control stain buildup over time.
You also need to quit smoking and using any other form of tobacco. Tobacco use will stain your teeth within months, ruining your newly-whitened smile.
Yes. It’s quite common for teeth whitening to cause sensitivity during the take-home treatment process, and this may persist for a few days after your treatment ends. If you have naturally-sensitive teeth, discuss this with Dr. Eastwood before your treatment begins. He may adjust the frequency and intensity of your treatments.
In addition, you can take steps like using Sensodyne or a similar anti sensitivity toothpaste during your treatment. Avoiding really hot and cold foods and drinks may also be helpful. You can also take medication like ibuprofen or even use a numbing product like Orajel if you are experiencing serious sensitivity.
Cavities can be caused by the transmission of bacteria from a mother to her infant.
The answer may surprise you. It’s typically recommended by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) that children start seeing the dentist when they’re 1 year old, or whenever their first tooth erupts.
Is your child a little older? You should bring them to Dr. Eastwood for an appointment as soon as you can to ensure their teeth and mouth are healthy and strong.
Going to the dentist early and regularly helps your child become more familiar with the process of regular dental visits, making them less likely to be anxious about going to the dentist as they grow up. Seeing the same dentist regularly throughout your child’s early years will also allow the doctor to become more familiar with your child’s teeth. They’ll be able to identify any potential oral development issues early, and take the proper action to ensure their teeth stay strong and healthy. These regular appointments also encourage children to build better life-long oral health habits.
The most important thing you can do to prepare your child to see the dentist is to speak about it positively. They don’t have any experiences with the dentist yet, so this is an opportunity to help the doctor make a good first impression.
Drinking a bottle of milk or breastfeeding right before bed puts your child at a higher risk for tooth decay.
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