Our culture values the whitest, brightest smiles. But coffee, tea, and other foods and beverages can stain teeth so that even the twice-per-year hygiene check-ups won’t bring back your whitest smile. Some people want whiter teeth for a special event, such as a wedding. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, having a nice white smile is always an asset. In fact, the tooth whitening procedure is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dental practices in the United States.
Fortunately, your Las Vegas dentist has the solution: our safe and effective teeth whitening service. We’ve compiled a whole list of frequently asked questions around this very common service.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is teeth whitening safe?
Dentist-dispensed teeth whitening products are perfectly safe and are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Teeth whitening does not damage the nerve or enamel of teeth, and that as long as the whitening is supervised by a dentist, there are typically no ill-effects.
The ADA recommends consultation with your dentist to determine the best approach. This procedure is not to be confused with teeth whitening toothpaste, which are good tools for helping to reduce stains.
Will my insurance cover teeth whitening?
Check with your dental carrier to be certain, but in our experience, teeth whitening is not covered by insurers.
How long will my teeth stay white?
Good question and the answer is, “It depends.” Teeth whitening is never permanent. Dr. Hadley’s team customizes the level of whitening depending upon your cosmetic goals. However, because we use tray whitening in a professional setting you should expect the treatment to last years, depending upon, of course, your own oral hygiene.
Will the whitener work on my fillings?
Existing dental work will not whiten. You may need to replace front crowns or bridges to match the new color of your teeth.
How does a tooth whitening work?
We offer a take-home tray whitening system. The trays are fabricated and customized to fit your teeth along with the level of whiteness you want to achieve. You will take home instructions, the trays, and a tooth whitening gel. The gel is applied to the tray and then fitted over your teeth. You can wear the trays at night or during the day – it’s comfortable enough for sleeping. The more gel you apply, the whiter your teeth will become. It’s a simple, yet effective way to overcome the effects of aging or tooth stains.
Should I just do it at home?
We highly recommend a dental consultation before attempting any OTC tooth whitening. The problem with some of these kits is that the one-size-fits-all approach can make for a very uncomfortable experience when the trays you’re using simply don’t fit your teeth. This could cause gum irritation, so if you’re teeth and gums aren’t in great shape, you could be in for a problem. Sometimes the whiteners can also make your teeth more sensitive for a time. Certainly, anyone with gum issues, or untreated cavities, along with pregnant women, should not use these products.
Talk with the talented team at Dr. Hadley’s to find out how to get your teeth looking their best!