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Teeth Whitening

Arizona Advanced Dental

Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Mesa, AZ

Stains or discoloration on your teeth can make you think twice before smiling for a picture or laughing freely in public. At Arizona Advanced Dental in Mesa, Arizona, Donald Clifford, DDS, and Casey Cutler, DDS, can correct many of your tooth coloration concerns with in-office or take-home whitening systems. To review your options and get a smile that you’re proud to show, call Arizona Advanced Dental or book an appointment online today.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

How does teeth whitening work?

Generally, teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent to lighten the color of your teeth and diminish the appearance of stains. Arizona Advanced Dental offers two popular and effective whitening systems:

Kor® 

Kor whitening is performed in-office by your dentist. During the procedure, you wear the Kor whitening tray over your teeth as the peroxide gel lightens your teeth. Unlike competitor trays, Kor keeps your saliva from getting in and interfering with the whitening process. It also prevents tooth sensitivity and minimizes later staining after your treatment.

Opalescence® 

Don’t have time for a 30-minute or longer whitening session at the office? Arizona Advanced Dental also offers take-home Opalescence whitening trays. Dr. Clifford or Dr. Cutler helps you choose between several formulas and flavors and instructs you on how to get a professional whitening effect on your own time at home.

Why should I get teeth whitening?

Some stains and types of discoloration on your teeth can be removed very easily with teeth whitening. If your teeth are yellow or if you have light, surface-level stains, you’ll likely see a big difference after a whitening treatment or two. 

In contrast, if you have dark brown stains or discoloration, you may see only a small difference from a whitening treatment. If you have a tooth that looks gray, the discoloration is from either an injury or medication and cannot be corrected with whitening treatments.

It’s also important to keep in mind that crowns, veneers, and fillings don’t respond to whitening treatments. However, you can get crowns or veneers to disguise your gray or dark brown teeth.

How can I keep my teeth looking great after whitening treatments?

You can keep your teeth looking bright and pearly white after a whitening treatment by avoiding some of the substances that stained them in the first place. While you can’t stop the discoloration that occurs with age or injuries, these steps will help you minimize staining within your control:

  • Avoiding dark drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Avoiding staining foods like berries
  • Brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking staining substances
  • Stopping your smoking habit
  • Stopping your other tobacco use (e.g. chewing)
  • Brushing and flossing at least twice per day
  • Using an antiseptic mouthwash

Taking these measures can reduce your need for follow-up whitening treatments. Getting fewer whitening treatments helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to sensitivity.

If you’d like to explore your teeth whitening options further, don’t hesitate to call Arizona Advanced Dental or reserve an appointment online today.