Why Now is the Perfect Time for Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening fuquay varina dentist

After a year of staying in and social distancing, it looks like life is slowly starting to return to normal, and the endless quarantine actually has an end in sight. Soon, we can say goodbye to Zoom reunions and solitary takeout and say hello to our friends and family – in person! But, is your smile ready for selfies and group photos? When you smile and say hello for the first time in months, will you be self-conscious or confident? Our Fuquay Varina dentist is sharing why now may be the best time to try professional teeth whitening.

Comfort Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

Since March 2020, we’ve been looking for comfort where we can find it, and for a lot of us, that’s turning to our favorite food and drinks. However, some of our favorites can stain our teeth, leaving them dingy and yellow looking, including:

  • Red wine
  • Coffee and black tea
  • Colas
  • Tomato sauce
  • Curry
  • Soy sauce
  • Berries, including blueberries and blackberries

Plus, acidic foods and drinks can etch tooth enamel, making staining more prevalent.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?

Professional teeth whitening can eliminate or lighten years of staining in a short period of time and keep them looking bright for years with proper care. It starts by having your dentist examine your teeth to make sure they are healthy enough for whitening because, while it’s completely safe for your teeth and gums, any decay or damage should be repaired first.

Once any restorative dentistry is complete, you’ll be fitted with custom trays. The whitening solution is placed in the trays which are fitted over the teeth and left on for a set period of time.

Teeth Whitening Solution

Teeth whitening solution is a safe, hydrogen-peroxide based solution that, once applied to the teeth, reacts with the chemicals within stains on the enamel. The stains break down, leaving behind brighter, whiter teeth in just 45 to 90 minutes.

Home and In-Office Teeth Whitening

There are two ways to whiten your teeth professionally – at home and in-office. Unlike over the counter kits, you’ll still be professionally fitted for trays to get the best end result that is comfortable and effective. Once your trays are ready, you’ll pick them up, along with your peroxide solution and take it home with you. When you’re ready, simply apply a designated amount into the trays, fit them over your teeth, and leave them on for the dentist-recommended time. Usually whitening at home is completed over a few days for shorter periods of time.

In-office whitening is a similar manner, though the trays are left on for a longer period of time and sometimes a UV light is used to help speed the process along and get better results.

Get a Photo-Ready Smile with Teeth Whitening in Fuquay Varina

While we still have a little ways to go before we’re back to normal, we’re definitely making strides. Soon, backyard barbecues, lunch dates, and other small gatherings will be part of our life again, and you’ll want to feel confident and happy when the cameras come out to capture the moments or when greeting people for the first time in a long time. With our teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services, our Fuquay Varina dentist can help you reclaim that confidence. To schedule an appointment, call us at  919-552-2431 or fill out the form below to get started.