What to Expect from Your First Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

/0 Comments/in /by

Getting your teeth professionally whitened can be exciting — especially if you’ve been wanting a brighter smile for a while. If it’s your first time, you might be wondering what actually happens during the process and how quickly you’ll see results. Here’s a breakdown so you can walk into your St. Cloud, MN dentist appointment knowing exactly what to expect.

Starting with a Consultation

Your dentist will first check your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy enough for treatment. They’ll also talk with you about your goals, explain what shade changes are realistic, and let you know if any existing dental work — like crowns or fillings — might not whiten the same way as natural teeth.

The Whitening Process

It starts with protecting your gums and lips so the whitening gel only touches your teeth. The gel contains a higher concentration of bleaching agents than over-the-counter products, which is why it works faster and more effectively. Depending on the system your dentist uses, a special light or laser might be applied to help activate the gel and speed up the process.

The gel is typically left on for 15 to 30 minutes, then removed and reapplied in cycles until the desired result is reached. Throughout the treatment, your dentist or hygienist will check on to you to make sure you’re comfortable and to monitor progress.

Results!

Right after whitening, your teeth will likely be several shades lighter. And don’t worry — it’s normal to have a little tooth sensitivity for a day or two, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold items. Your dentist may recommend avoiding dark-colored foods and drinks — like coffee, tea, or red wine — for at least 24 to 48 hours, since teeth are more prone to staining immediately after treatment.

Keeping Up Appearances

The length of time your results last depends on your habits and diet. Routine dental cleanings and at home oral hygiene will help maintain your new look. And of course you’ll want to have touch-up treatments done now and then!

Your first professional teeth whitening treatment in St. Cloud, MN is a quick, straightforward way to make a big difference in your smile. Contact us today to get started!

Should I Buy Whitening Products from the Drugstore?

/0 Comments/in /by
 Teeth whitening is so popular that it’s promoted practically everywhere you turn. If you’re used to seeing plenty of products on shelves, you may wonder whether professional teeth whitening in St. Cloud, MN was worth it. Below, we’ll look at the pros and cons of buying teeth whitening products and how to decide.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter whitening products are affordable and they don’t require you to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. However, the primary drawback is likely one you already predicted: they don’t work as well as professional services. While you may be able to whiten your teeth a shade or two, you may not get the results you’re looking for if you want a dramatic turnaround.

Are Whitening Products Harmful?

This question depends on the type of products you buy. Many are relatively safe, but others use higher concentrations of chemicals like bleach and peroxide. Whether you try a DIY solution, like lemon juice, or a home whitening gel from Crest, you can inadvertently damage your teeth if you’re not careful. If you are choosing a whitening product from a household name brand, it’s essential to follow their directions. Leaving products on for too long or using them too often can harm your teeth.

Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?

For many patients, teeth whitening is absolutely worth the investment. Not only can you smile wide in photos, but you can also take more general pride in your smile. Aging stains and food stains may not be harmful to your teeth, but they can lead to a general disinterest in taking care of them.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in St. Cloud, MN that you can trust, contact the team at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Regardless of which path you choose for whitening, we can help you make better decisions for the long-term health of your teeth. In some cases, staining is the result of a more serious problem, such as infection or decay. Instead of trying to whiten your teeth from the outside, a dentist can treat the underlying cause of the issue.

Best Options For Smile Repair

/0 Comments/in , /by

Everyone loves a beautiful smile. If yours isn’t where you’d like it to be, your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, has a variety of options to help. From tooth whitening to tooth repair and replacement, cosmetic dentistry can revolutionize your life. You may chew more easily, speak more clearly, and end up with a smile that dazzles with its brilliance. But your first step is to make an appointment with your local dentist to discuss your opportunities. There are many options to improve the ways your teeth look and function.

1. Teeth Whitening

Bright, white teeth seem to sparkle when you smile. And if you’ve ever looked closely at your favorite celebrity, you may notice part of their appeal lies in the color and appearance of their teeth. Perfect teeth begin with good oral hygiene practices. But even the prettiest smile may benefit from teeth whitening.

If you drink beverages that stain, such as coffee, tea, or wine, your teeth may take on a dingy, dull appearance. Talk with your dental professional regarding the many benefits of teeth whitening. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that easily brightens the appearance of your teeth.

2. Teeth Straightening

Straight, even teeth are more earmarks of a stunning smile. Many factors may contribute to crooked teeth or teeth that feature noticeable gaps between them. These include overcrowding, bone loss, and trauma. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, braces or aligners may be the answer.

3. Repair of Stained or Discolored Teeth

If your teeth are discolored by decay, whitening won’t help. However, veneers will. Dental veneers are simply faceplates for teeth. They’re a shell that slips over the tooth or is bonded to the front of the tooth to cover imperfections. Veneers are easily dyed to match the surrounding teeth, meaning no one will ever know they’re not natural unless you tell them. But they easily brighten and even out the appearance of discolored teeth.

When you’re ready to boost the intensity of your smile, Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to help. Schedule an appointment for smile repair in St. Cloud, MN, today.