A bright, white smile is often considered a hallmark of youth, health, and confidence. Over time, however, our teeth can lose their natural luster due to various factors. At Altoona Smiles, we are committed to helping you regain that radiant smile with our top-tier teeth whitening treatments.

When teeth have become discolored and stained over time, it can be hard to smile proudly. Thankfully there are options to brighten your smile and eliminate or manage dental staining. Your local pharmacy will have many options available, but they won’t be able to handle all types or severity of stains. Altoona Smiles offers a variety of professional whitening options that can handle any dental stain.

Symptoms

You might consider teeth whitening if you notice:

• Yellowing or discoloration of the teeth.
• Stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
• Discoloration due to medications or medical treatments.
• Uneven shades after a dental procedure.
• Natural aging causing dullness.

Professional Dental Whitening With Altoona Smiles

Of all the teeth whitening options available at your local pharmacy, most of them will use a hydrogen peroxide-based solution. This solution breaks down the film and proteins that create the stains on our enamel. This makes them easier to remove when brushing and flossing and a brighter smile. Unfortunately, these treatments aren’t capable of handling truly deep stains. They’re also unable to address stains that happen deep within the tooth. For these kinds of stains, professional care is needed.

The first stage of professional dental whitening involves determining the underlying source of the stain. As part of a pre-treatment examination, our team will identify the type of stain, what’s causing it, and the appropriate treatments to eliminate them. Dental staining falls into one of three categories:

 • Extrinsic Stains: This refers to stains that have formed on the outside of the tooth, typically on the enamel. They’re the easiest to address and are usually caused by dark-colored foods. They can also occur due to certain vices, such as tobacco use.

 • Intrinsic Stains: This is a type of stain that develops deep within the tooth, often in the dentin layer. At-home treatments are incapable of lightening dentin and thus require professional whitening to address.

 • Age-Related Stains: It’s not uncommon for our teeth to darken as we age. This can occur when the inner tooth begins to die or lacks calcium and Vitamin D. These types of stains are often treated with cosmetic options like veneers or dental bonding.

The solution used during professional dental whitening uses a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This makes them more effective and requires the oversight of a professional to prevent damage to your teeth.

Why is Teeth Whitening Needed?

Teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance one’s appearance. Reasons for its increasing popularity include:

• Boosted self-esteem: A brighter smile often translates to elevated confidence in social and professional settings.
• Special occasions: Many choose teeth whitening for weddings, graduations, or other significant events.
• Reverse years of staining: Daily habits can lead to stained teeth over time; whitening provides a solution.
• Positive first impressions: A vibrant smile can make all the difference in making lasting first impressions.

How Altoona Smiles Can Help With Teeth Whitening 

Dental whitening is a cosmetic treatment that is non-invasive and generally safe for your teeth. Our team provides this service to our patients to ensure they have a bright and beautiful smile free from stains. Arrange a consultation with our clinic to determine if dental whitening is an appropriate step for you. You don’t have to live a life with yellowed and stained teeth; call us and get that bright smile you’ve always dreamed of today!

What To Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Process at Altoona Smiles

Embarking on a journey to a more radiant smile? With Altoona Smiles as your partner, here’s the meticulous step-by-step treatment process you’ll traverse:

• Consultation: Your first step begins with a detailed consultation. Our doctors will assess the current shade and health of your teeth, understanding your whitening goals and expectations. This ensures that the teeth whitening method chosen is best suited for you.
• Evaluation and Cleaning: Prior to the actual whitening, it’s vital to have clean teeth. We’ll do a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar, as this can affect the outcome of the whitening. Additionally, we’ll evaluate for any potential sensitivity issues to tailor the treatment accordingly.
• Customization: At Altoona Smiles, we select the ideal hydrogen peroxide solution concentration tailored to your teeth’s discoloration level and sensitivity concerns.
• Whitening Session: Our Altoona Team meticulously applies the hydrogen peroxide solution to dissolve stains, often using specialized lights to boost the whitening effectiveness, ensuring both comfort and results.
• Post-Treatment Guidance: Once your teeth have achieved the desired brightness, our team will provide guidelines to maintain that luminous smile. This might include advice on food and drink consumption, and possibly a take-home kit for touch-ups.
• Follow-up: Especially for those with sensitivity or if multiple sessions are required, periodic appointments might be scheduled to monitor the progress and ensure the best results.

With Altoona Smiles, you’re not just getting a teeth whitening treatment; you’re embarking on a comprehensive journey towards a brighter, more confident smile.

Prevention

While teeth whitening can yield fantastic results, maintaining that brilliance requires care. To prevent future staining:

1. Limit foods and beverages that stain, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
2. If you consume staining substances, brush your teeth soon after or rinse your mouth with water.
3. Avoid tobacco products in all forms.
4. Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings with the Altoona Team.
5. Use a straw when consuming stain-prone liquids.

Outlook

With our advanced teeth whitening methods, many patients witness a significant enhancement in their smile’s brilliance. The duration of the results can vary based on dietary habits, oral care routine, and individual factors. However, with care, the results can last for a long time, and touch-ups are always available at Altoona Smiles to keep your smile gleaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main ingredient used in your teeth whitening process?

A: We primarily use a hydrogen peroxide-based solution, known for its effective stain-dissolving properties.

Q: Is the teeth whitening procedure at Altoona Smiles safe?

A: Absolutely! Our Altoona Team ensures the process is safe, tailoring the treatment to each individual while protecting gums and soft tissues.

Q: How long does the whitening effect last?

A: With proper care, the results can last for several months to years. However, this can vary based on dietary habits and oral hygiene practices.

Q: Will the treatment cause tooth sensitivity?

A: Some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity. We adjust the hydrogen peroxide concentration accordingly to ensure comfort.

Q: How often can I have my teeth whitened?

A: It’s recommended to space out whitening sessions to prevent enamel damage. Our team can advise on the optimal frequency based on your specific needs.

Your journey to a brighter smile begins at Altoona Smiles

Ready to light up the room with a dazzling smile? The expert doctors at Altoona Smiles are just a call away. Connect with us at 515-200-1299 or request an appointment online to step closer to the radiant smile you’ve always dreamed of.