Teeth Whitening in East Longmeadow, MA

In the United States, 74% of adults believe an unattractive smile can negatively affect a person’s chances of career success. One of the most important aspects of a smile is its brightness, which can be a concern for many people as they get older. If you are worried about stains or discoloration, you can turn to the teeth whitening services of Gregory Zirakian, DMD, at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center. 

What Causes Stained Teeth?

There are different kinds of stains. Some are age-related, and others are extrinsic or intrinsic. 

Extrinsic stains are those that affect the surface of the enamel. The enamel is the hardest part of the tooth, but it also comes into contact with everything you consume, from foods and drinks to tobacco. Over time, residue can build up, and the enamel absorbs it.

Some of the most common substances that can cause stains include:

  • Sodas
  • Coffee
  • Fruit juices
  • Berries
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Tobacco

Starchy foods like potatoes and pasta can also cause stains. Intrinsic stains occur when dentin, the layer under the enamel, becomes stained. They can occur with excess fluoride consumption during enamel formation. Tooth decay and certain medications can also cause them. Age can affect your teeth’s color, too, because the enamel wears down as the years pass, allowing more of the dentin to show. 

What to Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening includes a range of treatments that make your teeth brighter and whiter. Although there are over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, turning to professionals for help will offer more reliable results. Whitening treatments are generally not permanent, although some last longer than others. 

There are four main types of teeth whitening treatments:

  • In-office bleaching
  • Whitening trays
  • Whitening strips 
  • Whitening toothpastes

In-office bleaching is one of the most effective treatments. You’ll undergo the entire process at our dental office. It might take more than one session, and your teeth will likely feel a little sensitive for a few days. 

Whitening trays use peroxide gels that you can apply at home. The best types of whitening trays are custom-fitted to your teeth. We offer customized take-home whitening trays at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center. These trays provide professional-level whitening that you can carry out in the comfort of your home. 

While whitening strips are readily available and cost-effective, they do not provide the level of whitening that professional bleaching and trays offer. The same applies to whitening toothpastes, which contain abrasives that can help remove some stains but do not effectively whiten your teeth. 

Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. If you have veneers or dental implants, you should not get this procedure. 

Benefits of Whitening Trays

Professional teeth bleaching at a dental office can take time and requires that you sit in the dental chair for the entire time. In contrast, whitening trays allow you to get effective whitening treatment at home, saving you time and visits to the office. 

Whitening trays are also less harsh than bleaching. Bleaching can cause tooth sensitivity issues for one to three days after the procedure, while whitening might only cause a bit of sensitivity right after the treatment. Turning to premade over-the-counter trays can end up with some teeth getting more of the gel they need and others getting none of it. 

Instead, we provide customized trays to ensure that every angle of every tooth receives treatment. Trays that fit perfectly are also much more comfortable to wear, especially if you choose to wear them while you sleep. 

Getting Teeth Whitening

If you want to brighten and whiten your smile, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center. 

At the consultation, Dr. Zirakian will examine your mouth and teeth to ensure you don’t have any oral health issues that might prevent you from benefiting from a teeth whitening procedure. If you have specific oral concerns, he will recommend taking care of those first and then addressing cosmetic dental issues. 

Teeth whitening at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. Zirakian will make impressions of your teeth to send to the lab, which will then create the trays you will wear at home for the whitening process. 

At your second appointment, you will try the trays on to ensure they fit. If needed, Dr. Zirakian will make adjustments so that you will be comfortable while you use the trays at home. 

You will have to wear the trays with a whitening solution twice a day for 30 minutes each, or you can wear them while you sleep. The length of the treatment will depend on your desired results and your teeth’s current condition, but most people benefit from two weeks of treatment. 

Caring for Whitened Teeth

After using the tray, you want to avoid very cold or very hot drinks or foods for a few hours. Teeth have a layer called “acquired pellicle” that protects them. Teeth whitening procedures remove this layer. While it does return, it might take 24 hours to do so. That can leave your teeth a bit more sensitive than usual. 

You can use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth to help with this problem. 

After a teeth whitening treatment, it’s best to limit your consumption of drinks and foods that can restain your teeth. 

Enhance Your Smile With Professional Teeth Whitening Today

Most people wish they could get a brighter and whiter smile — and that is now an attainable goal. With the many different effective teeth whitening options available, you can find the exact treatment level you want. 

Gregory Zirakian, DMD, offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center in East Longmeadow, MA. He offers free consultations and affordable financing options to help patients access treatment for all of their oral health concerns. 

With state-of-the-art facilities and nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Zirakian focuses on reliable and compassionate care for each patient. Contact East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today to make an appointment for teeth whitening.