612 West De Leon Street Tampa, FL 33606

Teeth Whitening Tampa, FL

Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance your smile’s aesthetics by making subtle and not-so-subtle changes to your oral tissues, such as the teeth, gums, facial contour, etc. One such popular cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening, a non-invasive treatment that removes the stains from the surfaces of teeth. This treatment can be performed in-office or at home with the help of take-home whitening kits.

teeth whitening in tampa fl

Teeth Whitening in Tampa, FL

Our office uses Opalescence Boost and GO take-home trays. Custom whitening trays are also an option. It is essential that you follow suitable aftercare instructions given to you after having teeth whitening done.

There are multiple benefits of the Opalescence Boost Whitening System. This system:

  • Does not require harmful light to activate
  • Uses a 40% hydrogen peroxide gel that offers instant results
  • Contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride)
  • Offers precise results
  • Has a perfectly Balanced pH
  • Uses two to three 20-minute applications

How Boost Whitening Works

Your dentist activates opalescence Boost just before its application with a syringe-to-syringe mixing system that keeps the formula fresh and ensures maximum strength.

Opalescence Boost comprises two syringes; one contains 38% Hydrogen Peroxide, and the other contains Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate. Hydrogen Peroxide is the active tooth whitening ingredient, whereas Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate strengthen tooth enamel, protect against cavities, and reduce sensitivity. The mixture of these gels results in a distinct red color that ensures correct placement and full removal of the product.

The Boost Whitening Process

Before treatment, we will remove calculus and extrinsic stains to maximize results. We also recommend whitening before deciding on dental crowns or veneers, as these dental restorations can’t be bleached.

The treatment time for Boost whitening is approximately 1-2 hours, including preparation. First, the dentist will pull back your gums and place a tongue protector.  They will remove saliva, air dry the teeth, and apply an OpalDam® to protect the gums. The dentist will mix the two gels and place them on your teeth’s outer surface.

After 15 minutes, they will remove the gel and rinse your mouth. Opalescence Boost whitening treatment typically needs three to four applications. After each application session, your dentist will check your shade level to determine whether another application is necessary.

Opalescence Boost whitening can be combined with a take-home whitening kit to maximize results. This treatment also offers various after-care dental products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toothpicks.

How to Keep Your Teeth White

Some of the useful practices that we from Historic Hyde Park Dentistry recommend to help maintain the whiteness of your teeth after the treatment:

Keep Away from Acidic Foods

Acidic foods such as pickles, aerated beverages, lemons, and other food and drinks should be avoided for the first few days after teeth whitening. Whitening opens up the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth more sensitive and weak. Consuming acidic foods would make staining particles settle in the pores, causing discoloration of the teeth. And of course, the acids make the teeth even more vulnerable by eroding their enamel.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods

As we mentioned, teeth whitening often makes the teeth weaker and more sensitive for a few days. Eating hot or cold meals could cause bouts of extreme sensation, making it seem highly uncomfortable to you. So, instead of consuming either hot or cold meals, consider eating more veggies and fruits. Aside from providing you with the proper nutrients, these foods improve saliva production and do not cause any adverse effects on the teeth.

Avoid Smoking and Other Unhealthy Oral Habits

Smoking and chewing tobacco are the main culprits behind severely stained teeth. Smoking involves inhaling particulate matter, which could get deposited in the pores of the enamel. This would undo the effect of teeth whitening, so avoid them or stop them altogether.

Also, avoid colored foods, wine, beverages, chocolate, or even brushing with colored toothpaste. It is advisable to use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead to reduce hypersensitivity in the teeth.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at 813-733-6981 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.