Is teeth whitening painful?

No—while it’s common to feel a little discomfort, teeth whitening is a painless non-invasive procedure. Following treatment, it’s common to feel tooth sensitivity for anywhere between 24-48 hours. If the sensitivity continues, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kosinski as soon as possible by calling our Bingham Farms office at 248-646-8651.

What's the difference between Zoom!® and BriteSmile®?

Both Zoom!® and BriteSmile® are professional-grade teeth whitening systems that result in a brighter smile that can last for years with proper care. The main difference is that with Zoom!®, it takes less time to whiten your teeth. Your teeth can become about eight shades whiter. BriteSmile® takes a little longer but your teeth can appear about nine shades lighter after treatment.

How do I prolong my white smile?

During the first 24-48 hours, it’s important to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. As well, keeping your teeth clean and free from plaque and tartar can keep your teeth stain-free. Keeping your teeth clean involves: Brushing your teeth twice a day Flossing your teeth once a day (preferably before bed) Rinsing after meals to keep your mouth free of debris Scheduling dental appointments with Dr. Kosinski at least once every six months

What causes stained teeth?

There are a variety of factors that contribute to stained or discolored teeth such as: Age—as we get older, our teeth naturally lose their shine and can become off-colored over time. Inconsistent Oral Hygiene—Daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals can not only preserve the health of your teeth but also their appearance. Tobacco—Nicotine is notorious for staining teeth. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth to turn yellow over time. Some Foods and Beverages—Beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine as well as foods like vibrant fruits, colored candy, and curry can all leave your teeth darkened and stained over time. Certain Medications—Sometimes antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline can lead to tooth discoloration.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare in Bingham Farms, MI

Essential Tips for Teeth Whitening Aftercare

Achieving a radiant smile with teeth whitening is just the beginning of your journey to maintaining a bright smile. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure lasting results and prevent any potential sensitivity or damage. From avoiding certain foods and drinks to following a meticulous oral hygiene routine, our Bingham Farms, MI dentist, Dr. Timothy Kosinski offers these essential tips that will help you keep your smile sparkling.

To learn more about proper teeth whitening aftercare, contact our Bingham Farms dental office by calling 248-646-8651.

Understanding Teeth Staining

To effectively maintain your professional teeth whitening results, it’s important to understand the causes of teeth staining. By understanding how teeth stain, you can make more informed decisions about the foods and beverages you consume, as well as make adjustments to your oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Some of the most common causes of teeth staining include:

Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages
Smoking or using other tobacco products
Poor oral hygiene practices
Aging
Certain medications and medical conditions

Tips for Maintaining Teeth Whitening Results

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Practicing proper oral hygiene is a necessary part of teeth whitening aftercare. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups can help keep your teeth healthy and bright.

Your Bingham Farms dentist can also provide tips and advice for maintaining your whitening results based on your needs and concerns.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is an effective way to maintain your teeth whitening results. It contains mild abrasives and special ingredients that remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. However, if your teeth have significant staining, a touch-up treatment with your dentist may be necessary. Use this toothpaste as directed and avoid overuse to prevent tooth sensitivity or enamel damage.

Be sure to speak to Dr. Kosinski about the best whitening toothpaste for your needs and how often you should use it to maintain your newly whitened teeth.

Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

Avoiding foods and drinks that are known to cause staining can help you maintain your teeth-whitening results for longer. Some common staining culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. If you do consume these foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth as soon as possible to minimize staining.

Additionally, using a straw to drink beverages can help prevent contact with your teeth and reduce the risk of staining.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can have a significant impact on the brightness of your teeth and overall oral health. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes can cause yellowing and staining of the teeth, and smoking can also lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. By quitting smoking, you can help prevent further staining and discoloration of your teeth, and improve the overall health of your mouth.

If you’re struggling to quit smoking, talk to our Bingham Farms dentist for tips and resources to help you quit for good.

Consider Touch-Up Treatments

Over time, your teeth may begin to lose their brightness, even with proper maintenance. If you notice that your teeth are becoming stained or discolored, a touch-up treatment with our dentist can help restore their brightness. Dr. Kosinski may use the same professional teeth whitening products or techniques that were used in your initial treatment, or they may recommend a different approach based on your specific needs.

Depending on the severity of the staining or discoloration, one or more touch-up teeth whitening treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Talk to Dr. Kosinski about your options for touch-up treatments and how often you should schedule them to maintain your professional teeth whitening results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a touch-up treatment after professional whitening?

Are at-home whitening strips effective for touch-ups?

How do I know if whitening toothpaste is safe?

How often should I get a touch-up treatment after professional whitening?

Most people need a touch-up 6 to 12 months after the initial whitening treatment, but your dentist can advise you based on the condition of your teeth. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth can allow you to go longer between touch-ups.

Are at-home whitening strips effective for touch-ups?

Teeth whitening strips may help maintain some brightness but aren’t as effective as professional touch-ups. They also only whiten surface stains. For significant discoloration, professional touch-ups are best.

How do I know if whitening toothpaste is safe?

Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. The American Dental Association rigorously tests toothpaste before awarding their seal, so this ensures the toothpaste meets their safety and effectiveness standards.

Check for abrasiveness rating, which measures the abrasive content. The lower the rating, the less abrasive and more gentle it is on your enamel. You should avoid toothpaste with high abrasive ratings. You can also ask your dentist which specific brands or formulas they recommend based on your dental needs.

Maintain Your Brilliant Smile with Quality Aftercare

By following these aftercare tips, you can ensure your teeth stay bright and beautiful long after your whitening treatment. Consistency is key to maintaining your results and keeping your smile healthy. Incorporate these simple steps into your daily routine, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, and use products recommended by Dr. Kosinski.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation at our Bingham Farms, MI office by calling 248-646-8651. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain the best possible oral health and aesthetics.
We’re proud to enhance the smiles of Michigan patients in Franklin, Bloomfield, Lathrup Village, Bingham Farms and the surrounding areas.