Professional Teeth Whitening in Austin, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the teeth bleaching process work?

The teeth bleaching progress works through the use of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These two chemicals cover all areas of the truth and pass through the enamel of the tooth, breaking down the molecules in the tooth that cause discoloration.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

The results will vary from person to person, based on a variety of factors. These include the patient’s lifestyle habits as well as their diet.

Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

While teeth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening, the effects will disappear shortly after the procedure is completed.

How does Ultradent Boost teeth whitening work?

Our team will let you know what types of food and drink you can have in the 48 hours leading up to your treatment. You will want to make sure that your new smile isn’t exposed to the same things that stained them in the first place.

An image is taken of the original color of your teeth, also known as the starting shade. This will help you and Dr. D’Alfonso see the results of the whitening treatment.

Dr. D’Alfonso will then place cheek retractors to help apply the gel evenly on your teeth. It’s important for the teeth to be dry before the procedure so a quick rinse and air drying will help prepare your teeth for the procedure.

A substance called OpalDam Green will then be applied to your teeth. This substance will be placed on your gums, around the base of your tooth, to protect your gums from the 40% hydrogen peroxide product, which may cause sensitivity.

Ultradent Boost gel will then be applied on each tooth and will be applied for a total of 20 minutes. Once complete, the gel will be suctioned off of your tooth and repeated at least one more time. Depending on the desired results, multiple applications might be required. Your teeth will be rinsed once the desired shade of white is achieved.

Finally, the OpalDam Green substance will be removed from your gums and a final inspection will be done to ensure that your teeth are your ideal shade of white. The entire process will take only 40 minutes, although certain cases might require a few more applications to reach the desired result.

What Are The After Care Steps?

When the process is done, our dental staff will cover your teeth with a special gel. This gel sits on your teeth for about five minutes. It works like a fluoride treatment and helps with most post-procedure sensitivity by protecting the enamel of your teeth.

After the procedure, your teeth may continue to whiten another shade during the next 24 hours. A good practice is to stay away from things that could stain your smile during the first 48 hours, including:

• Coffee
• Soda
• Tea
• Wine
• Smoking
• Pasta Sauce

If you experience any post-procedure sensitivity, an over the counter pain medication may help ease any discomfort. If sensitivity occurs, it usually doesn’t last more than about 24 hours. If you are still experiencing issues after this, call our office to speak to our knowledgeable team or schedule an appointment.

Why Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Whitening systems use small bleach molecules that penetrate and diffuse into teeth. However, some whitening treatments can irritate the nerves of your teeth and leave them hypersensitive. Stimuli like temperatures and pressure can cause pulpitis on a tooth. Pulpitis means the pulp of your tooth is slightly irritated and inflamed.

For whitening to work, the procedure often gets rid of a protein layer that opens up the “pores” of your teeth. This exposes the core of the tooth, or the dentin. While this is necessary for teeth whitening to work, it can cause sensitivity.

What Can You Do to Prevent Sensitivity?

• Avoid brushing your teeth after whitening. This will further open up the pores of your teeth causing more exposure and sensitivity. If you need to wipe away whitening gel, use a wet washcloth.
• Always follow the directions on your whitening kit closely. Do not leave any treatment on for any longer than instructed.
• Compliment your whitening routine with a desensitizing gel.

Post-Whitening Maintenance

Do you want white teeth after an Ultradent Boost treatment, but can’t find the time to come back in for a dental appointment? Here are some dental care tips that you can use to get better teeth whitening results:

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste has special chemicals that provide deeper stain removal than most toothpaste. Teeth whitening toothpaste removes surface stains, but can’t treat stains that lie deeper. They can also make your teeth more sensitive.

Whitening Strips

Strips treat stains more than whitening toothpaste, but can also be messy and hard to apply. Usually, they need to be used twice a day for two weeks to remove stains. It can take a few months before you can see a difference.

Tray-based Whitening

This form of whitening uses a mouthguard with whitening gel. You put the tray in your mouth overnight or during the day for a few weeks.

Why Choose Lakeway To Get Your Teeth Whitened?

In the pursuit of a brighter, more radiant smile, Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry emerges as the premier destination for teeth whitening in the Austin area. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with cutting-edge technology and personalized care, ensures that our patients not only leave with a dazzling smile but also with an experience that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Our Teeth Whitening Process

At Lakeway, we employ the latest in dental technology to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible. This commitment to excellence is evident in our choice to use the Ultradent Boost system for our teeth whitening treatments. This advanced system is globally recognized for its whitening capabilities.

How It Works

The Ultradent Boost system is a chemically activated formula, which means it doesn’t require a hot, uncomfortable light to work. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect during the process:

• Preparation: Before the actual whitening begins, your gums and mouth are protected with a special covering, ensuring only your teeth are exposed.
• Application: The Ultradent Boost gel is then meticulously applied to your teeth.
• Activation: Unlike other systems, the Boost formula activates on its own without the need for lasers or UV lights. This results in a more comfortable experience for the patient.
• Rinse & Reveal: After the recommended time, the gel is gently rinsed off to reveal a noticeably whiter set of teeth. The entire process is quick, often completed in just one session.

What sets Ultradent Boost apart is its swift action and the minimized sensitivity it offers. Under the guidance of our dental professionals, the treatment is not only effective but also ensures that the health and integrity of your teeth are maintained.

Benefits of In-Office Teeth Whitening

While there are numerous teeth whitening options available today, in-office treatments provide a host of unparalleled advantages:

Speed and Efficiency: In just one visit, our in-office whitening procedures can yield results that are several shades brighter, a feat at-home kits struggle to match.

Reduced Sensitivity: The products and techniques used in our office are designed to minimize tooth and gum sensitivity, a common concern with many over-the-counter whitening products.

Safe and Supervised: Under the watchful eyes of our dental professionals, the entire process is managed to ensure safety, addressing any concerns immediately.

Tailored Treatment: Everyone’s teeth are unique. Our in-office procedure allows us to adjust the process according to the specific needs and goals of each patient.

About Our Dental Office

Nestled in Lakeway, just outside of Austin, our dental office is a harmonious blend of modern design and state-of-the-art technology with a warm, welcoming ambiance. We recognize that a visit to the dentist can be fraught with anxiety for many, which is why we’ve gone the extra mile to create an environment that’s not just about treatment but care as well. Our team, seasoned with years of experience, is dedicated to providing personalized attention to every patient. From the moment you step in, your comfort and well-being become our primary concern. We are equipped to offer a vast array of dental services, ensuring that Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry is the one-stop solution for all your dental needs, including teeth whitening in Austin, TX.