Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Really Work?

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Why would you schedule an appointment for teeth whitening in Woodbridge, VA when you can purchase whitening products at the store or online? There can be drastic differences between the two. Here is a closer look at at-home whitening and the benefits of professional teeth whitening treatment.

Understanding At-Home Teeth Whitening Products

The active ingredient in at-home tooth whitening products is typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These compounds help break down stains on the teeth and lighten their color. Some products are ADA-approved, while others are not ADA-approved. Therefore, it is always important to look for products that have the recognizable ADA seal and follow the usage directions closely.

Comparing At-Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Here is a quick rundown of the primary differences between at-home smile whitening versus professional teeth whitening at the dentist’s:

  • At-home whitening offers gradual results
  • Professional whitening provides faster, more dramatic changes
  • At-home options may cause sensitivity
  • Professional treatments are supervised by dental experts
  • Customization available in professional treatments
  • At-home kits are generally less expensive
  • Professional whitening often has longer-lasting effects

Potential Risks and Considerations

Most at-home teeth whitening products are perfectly safe to use, as long as they are ADA-approved and used as directed. For example, a whitening toothpaste is a good choice because it helps to break down stains while you brush. However, other products like whitening strips, gels, and trays may have a higher likelihood of damaging the teeth or gums if not used appropriately.

For example, if you leave whitening strips on your teeth for too long or use them too often, this could cause undue enamel erosion. Likewise, products not approved for use by the ADA that are commonly purchased online may carry even greater risks to your oral and overall health.

Discuss Teeth Whitening with a Skilled Woodbridge, VA Dentist

If you are looking for a more profound level of whitening with fewer concerns, talk to a Woodbridge, VA dentist first. Reach out to our team at Niles Dental to schedule a consultation today.

Will Tooth Whitening Chemicals Harm Your Enamel?

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Believe it or not, whether tooth whitening chemicals damage your enamel is a somewhat controversial one. While studies have not conclusively linked damage to teeth whitening, there are still some dentists in Woodbridge, VA, and dental hygienists who will advise their patients that teeth whitening does damage enamel. We’ll look at what enamel is and what the evidence shows.

Enamel Erosion in Woodbridge, VA

Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, essentially coating the whole tooth and protecting the interior from damage. Enamel is exceptionally hard, and it needs to be to keep the pulp and nerves from damage. In fact, it’s even harder than your bones, but it’s also exceptionally thin and definitely not indestructible. Over time, anything from bacteria to malnutrition can start to wear away at your enamel.

Tooth Whitening and Enamel in Woodbridge

Tooth whitening in Woodbridge is a painless procedure that leaves the enamel intact. While the bleaching process may cause some sensitivity, it won’t damage your teeth as it removes stains. Typically, the worst complaint reported during teeth whitening is mild discomfort. A cosmetic dentist will go over the steps with you, including what you can expect if you have sensitive teeth. They can also give you tips about how to keep your teeth whiter after the procedure.

Find a Cosmetic Dentist in Woodbridge

Teeth whitening can be an excellent procedure for anyone who’s feeling insecure about their smile. If you’re concerned about your enamel (or confused by some of the mixed messages you might have seen), contact Niles Dental today for more information. Here, you’ll learn about how external stains form, how they’re removed, and how you can keep them from coming back. The more you know, the easier it is to make a decision about what works best for your oral health.

3 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened Before the Holidays

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It’s fall now, but the holidays will be here before you know it. It’s the perfect time of year to have a white, bright smile! As your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, we’re happy to offer a range of services that can help you maintain a beautiful smile, including teeth whitening services. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, here’s why you should seek whitening services before the holidays.

1. You’ll have more confidence in your smile.

All those relatives at holiday gatherings are expecting to see your smile. If you don’t feel good about how your smile looks, you could find yourself uncomfortable when the holidays roll around. Whitening your teeth can help you feel good about the way you look. You’ll want to flash that smile to everyone!

2. Professional teeth whitening lasts and lasts.

Professional teeth whitening services are designed to get your teeth as white as possible (without over-whitening), and when the work is done, it lasts for a long time. Whitening your teeth before the holidays helps ensure that your teeth will be white from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

3. You’ll get it out of the way before the holidays begin.

Once the holidays are here, you’ll no doubt be so busy that it’s hard to fit in teeth whitening in Woodbridge, VA. Making the appointment now will help ensure you’ll have time to finish the work before the holidays.

Want Teeth Whitening? Call Niles Dental Today

The professionals at Niles Dental are here to help you maintain white, beautiful teeth. We offer various cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and more. Call today to make an appointment.

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

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Hopefully you see your dentist in Woodbridge, VA on a regular basis, but do you know how often to see the dentist? Do you know when to see the dentist for a dental emergency? Do you know when to see your dentist about concerning dental symptoms? In this article, we’ll talk about when and why you should see the dentist at Niles Dental.

When should I see the dentist for regular appointments?

Most dentists recommend that their patients come for dental cleanings every six months. Seeing the dentist twice annually can help you avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause gum recession and periodontal disease.

During these regular dental exam appointments in Woodbridge, VA, your dentist will remove any calculus on your tooth enamel, consult with you about your oral hygiene routine and give use tools like fluoride treatments to take care of your teeth.

When should I see the dentist for a dental emergency?

See the dentist as soon as possible for all dental emergencies. Dental emergencies include:

  • Loss of a permanent tooth
  • Cracking or chipping of your tooth
  • Severe pain in your tooth

In fact, if you’ve lost a permanent tooth, the faster that you get to the dentist, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save your permanent tooth. In a case like this, get to the dentist office within half an hour or less.

What symptoms of dental problems should prompt me to make a dental appointment?

It’s important to see the dentist if you’re noticing symptoms of a dental problem such as:

  • Breath smells bad, even when you’ve brushed your teeth
  • Gums are receding from your teeth
  • Gums are red and puffy

These are all signs of a problem. Seeing the dentist as soon as possible can help you take care of your teeth.

Is it time for you to see the dentist at Niles Dental? Call today to make an appointment.

Top 3 Lifestyle Habits That Indicate You May Need Teeth Whitening  

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Over time, your teeth can become discolored and dull, even with proper oral hygiene habits. Certain lifestyle habits also contribute to advancing the discoloration of your teeth and many of us participate in them. While some think that the solution is over-the-counter products, or adhering to a strict brushing regime, these rarely work and can even damage your teeth further. Dr. Niles of Woodbridge, VA can recommend the best course of action for your situation.

What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening helps to make your teeth several shades brighter with the use of patented techniques in an expert setting. While there are several ways to achieve this, the team at Dr. Nile uses the “Zoom!” whitening, which aids quickly in the discoloration of even the most frustrating teeth. A gel is applied to your teeth and remains there for 15 minutes, and this process is repeated 2-3 times, depending on the severity. After your short appointment, the teeth can become up to 8 shades whiter.

Signs You May Need Teeth Whitening

Here are some habits that may cause your teeth to need whitening.

 

You Love Coffee and Tea

Americans love their morning cup of java, regardless of the season. Coffee and tea are extremely common drinks that unfortunately stain your teeth over time. This is also true for soda, wine, and even berry drinks.

Smoking Enthusiasts

Whether it is cigars, vapes, or other similar products, smoking is one of the biggest contributors to the discoloration of your teeth. Smoking may also weaken your immune system, which further accelerates the process.

Undiagnosed Oral Diseases

Regular check-ins with your dental expert are important for your overall health. Undiagnosed infections and diseases could be a symbol of a larger problem than just discolored teeth.

Your Local Dentist in Woodbridge, VA

During your appointment with Dr. Niles of Woodbridge, VA, the team will properly identify and recommend solutions that are based on your unique situation.