Turn Back the Clock on Your Smile

Just as wrinkles may appear around your eyes or lips with age, teeth also change. Delicious meals shared with friends, a love for coffee or a glass of red wine, and lifestyle habits like smoking can take a toll on tooth enamel, leaving it yellowed, stained, and discolored.

Although this is normal and the shade of a person’s teeth doesn’t impact their oral health, we live in a world where white teeth are synonymous with beauty, confidence, and youthfulness. Many people want a brighter smile so their outward appearance matches how they feel inwardly. Professional teeth whitening is a very effective and non-invasive way to make your smile appear more vibrant and youthful instantly.

Professional teeth whitening is the most frequently performed cosmetic dentistry service for many reasons. It can be an especially great option for older adults who want to enhance their smile but don’t want to experience the healing period that comes with porcelain veneers or dental crowns. 

Here’s what you should know about the two types of tooth whitening options available at Laurel Manor Dental.

What are the benefits of professional in-office whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective way to lift stains and erase yellowing. It’s perfect for older adults who want a big change in their smile’s brightness but may not feel comfortable doing it themselves at home.

You don’t need to do anything but sit back and relax.

With professional in-office whitening, your dentist or an experienced assistant takes care of the whitening process. Many patients find it can be quite a spa-like experience and a nice way to treat themselves to an hour or so of quiet time.

Laser teeth whitening provides the brightest results.

Dentists use a variety of different bleaching gel products, sometimes accompanied by additional light-based technology, to speed up whitening results. Laurel Manor Dental provides laser teeth whitening, which uses a special dental laser to enhance the penetrative power of the gel product while still protecting the tooth enamel.

Professional dental whitening products have the best stain-lifting power.

Teeth whitening services can only lift extrinsic or external stains, meaning stains or discoloration on the surface of the enamel. However, professional products can often lift especially stubborn extrinsic stains that store-bought products, like whitening strips, can’t. Best of all, professional teeth whitening takes less overall time than at-home options.

Whiten your teeth to the desired shade.

During your whitening session, your teeth will be monitored carefully, and gel may be removed and reapplied several times depending on the product being used. Each whitening session is tailored to meet your needs and the desired shade of white you’d like for your smile. Not everyone wants as bright of a smile as possible, so your dentist will discuss this and offer tooth shade samples to ensure you’re thrilled with your results at the end.

Can I use an at-home kit instead of seeing a dentist?

Laurel Manor Dental provides dentist-approved, at-home kits that use professional quality products that outperform consumer whitening kits. These at-home whitening kits can be an enticing alternative for someone who prefers either the privacy or convenience of brightening their smile without leaving home. 

At-home whitening kits are generally less expensive than in-office services as you’ll pay for the products only rather than the office time and professional assistance. However, at-home kits are more limited in how quickly they lift stains. You’ll need to repeat whitening sessions several times, and some extrinsic stains may simply be too stubborn to lift entirely without in-office laser whitening. 

We recommend at-home kits if a person only wants to brighten their teeth a few shades or as a method of maintaining results after a professional in-office whitening session. 

Is it safe for seniors to whiten their teeth?

Absolutely! Age isn’t typically a deciding factor for professional teeth whitening; if you’re a healthy older adult without untreated dental issues, chances are you’re a candidate. 

It’s important for your teeth and gums to be in good condition before pursuing tooth whitening services. Active tooth decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion should be treated prior to any cosmetic services. 

If you’re interested in brightening your smile, the first step is to see your dentist for a consultation.

Book a teeth whitening consultation at Laurel Manor Dental.

Dr. Rozensky believes it’s never too late to have the smile of your dreams. Professional teeth whitening is just one of many ways you can give your smile a more youthful appearance and experience the self-confidence that comes with such a transformation.

Take a moment today to call Laurel Manor Dental and book a consultation about professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry solutions.