Professional Teeth Whitening in Bay City, MI

We all want a bright, white, movie star smile, but thanks to coffee, wine, smoking and many other lifestyle choices and genetic factors, we don’t all get what we want. There are some commercial tooth whitening pastes and treatments on the market, that you can purchase from pharmacies and supermarkets, but the truth is most of those products are far too weak to have any noticeable effect on your teeth. If you want to see real results, you need to turn to the professionals and undergo teeth whitening with dentist Dr. Matthew Ward, in Bay City, Michigan.

We’ve been offering professional services of teeth whitening in Bay City for a long time, and we’ve helped many happy patients to get the results they wanted. Most of those patients had already tried over-the-counter whitening products without much success, and many ask what the difference between professional whitening and a home kit actually is. We’ve tried to answer the most common questions here for you, so you’re able to make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

A brighter smile can lead to a more confident you. With professional teeth whitening performed by Dr. Ward at Bay City Dental Center, whiter teeth and a new smile are within reach in as little as one visit. Additional benefits of teeth whitening at our Bay City, MI practice include:

• Teeth can become several shades whiter
• Improving surface stains and severely discolored teeth
• A better option than over-the-counter or retail whitening treatments
• Safe for your teeth and gums
• Treatments usually take less than an hour
• No discomfort
• Reliable and long-lasting results
• You can undergo multiple treatments to maintain your whiter teeth

There are two basic methods of whitening teeth: abrasion and bleaching – and its best to discuss the options with Dr. Ward in an appointment.

Abrasive teeth whitening works by scrubbing off the top layer of the tooth, removing surface stains in the process, and revealing whiter tooth enamel below. Over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste use this method to whiten the teeth by including micro abrasives in their formulations. However, if you have anything deeper than surface stains, they won’t work very well, and it can be harmful to use abrasive treatments on the teeth for extended periods. Dr. Ward can use a similar approach on surface stains by polishing the teeth during teeth whitening in Bay City, if you only need surface treatment.

Bleaching is a treatment that is intended for use on much deeper stains. It alters the color of the tooth itself, but once again, the products and methods used in a professional setting are much stronger and more effective than the retail options. Bleaches used to whiten teeth contain peroxide and are often used with a light, or in a custom-made mouth guard. Dr. Ward may also provide you with a special bleaching agent that you can use at home.

No. While you can whiten “live” teeth and teeth that have discolored due to treatments like root canals, there are certain times when whitening is not recommended. Some examples of this would be if you have veneers, or when some of your teeth are implants. These prosthodontic treatments will not respond to the whitening treatment in the same way, and you will be left with different colors or shades on your teeth.

Following any whitening procedure, you might experience some sensitivity to cold or hot food and beverages, but this should subside within a few days. As with all dental procedures, routine dental examinations with Dr. Ward are essential to preserving results. These exams will assess everything from gum and soft tissue health to the condition of each tooth. Once the whitening procedure is completed, we typically recommend returning for touch-ups a couple of times a year, along with professional cleanings that will help your oral health. Remember that simply because your teeth are whitened doesn't necessarily mean they are in perfect health. You'll also be provided specific instructions regarding what food should and shouldn't be consumed in the immediate future, such as red wine and coffee.

If you are looking for professional teeth whitening in Bay City, whether you are from Bay City, Saginaw, Midland or a surrounding Tri-City area in Michigan, we’re always happy to provide more information and an assessment of your unique situation in our office. No matter where you are though if you are looking to whiten your teeth noticeably, we recommend that you speak to Dr. Ward first about professional teeth whitening.

Not only is professional whitening much more effective than anything you can buy yourself, it is also safer and will provide you with better, more consistent results.

Does professional teeth whitening hurt?
No, most patients don't find our professional teeth whitening procedures uncomfortable, and a local anesthetic isn't typically necessary. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity, but this is normal and typically fades quickly.

How long does a professional teeth whitening procedure take?
Most professional teeth whitening procedures can be completed in about 45 minutes or less. Factors like the type of treatment, your oral health, and aesthetic goals can add or subtract from your treatment time, but not much from the average of 45 minutes.

Can professional teeth whitening treat even deep stains?
For deeper tooth stains and discoloration, Dr. Ward will typically recommend bleaching. A professional bleaching treatment combines a peroxide solution and ultraviolet light to lighten the actual color of the tooth itself, achieving a brighter, whiter look. Dr. Ward also offers at-home whitening trays to further enhance your results.

How is professional teeth whitening different from over-the-counter products?
Professional teeth whitening involves higher concentrations of bleaching agents, customized treatment plans, and professional application, resulting in more effective and noticeable results compared to over-the-counter products.

How long do the results of professional teeth whitening last?
The longevity of results depends on factors like your oral hygiene, diet, and habits. With proper care, the effects can last anywhere from several months to a few years.

Does professional teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after professional whitening. Your dentist at Bay City Dental can provide desensitizing agents or recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth to manage this.

Whitening can provide quick and dramatic improvements to your teeth and, quite possibly, your total look. In case you've been contemplating a teeth whitening regimen but are not sure whether store-bought or professional options are suitable alternatives, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ward to learn about the benefits and disadvantages of each method before you make your choice.