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Sparkling, white teeth can make a person appear friendlier and more successful. Over time, the mineral structure of your teeth changes, enamel becomes less porous, and teeth lose their luster. Food, beverages, medications, and tobacco leave stains that can’t be removed with regular brushing. Yellowed or grayish teeth negatively affect your image and may make you feel older and self-conscious about your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry is a fast-growing industry. Over 2.5 million people completed cosmetic dental treatments in 2006. The American Dental Association has been watching advances in oral whitening products for over a decade. They highly recommend teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist, as only a professional can know what method of treatment will be right for your specific case.

At Dr. Curtis’ dental office, we offer two teeth whitening options: in-office whitening for fast results and take-home whitening kits. Both systems yield sensational results. During your in-office whitening session, Dr. Michael Curtis will apply a bleaching solution to your teeth. The solution penetrates the enamel, oxidizing the stain deposits, and leaving teeth up to 10 shades whiter. The entire process takes about an hour.

Custom-made whitening trays will be crafted if you prefer to whiten at home. These trays can be refilled with our professional-grade solution, so you can repeat the process as often as you like. Wear the trays for 10 to 14 days, or until your teeth reach the level of whiteness you feel comfortable with. Custom-made trays fit securely and cover all of the teeth. This prevents spotting, unbleached areas, and yellow back teeth, which often occur with over-the counter teeth whitening products.

Some patients experience increased sensitivity after whitening their teeth. This is because the whitening agent opens the naturally porous areas of the enamel to lift the stains. Sensitivity is temporary and subsides in one to three days. Over bleaching can cause damage to the teeth, which is why it’s important to talk to an experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Curtis before beginning treatment.

If professional teeth whitening doesn’t get your teeth as white as you would like, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding may be a good solution. These procedures are stain-resistant and long lasting. In addition to whitening your smile, they also cover cracks, breaks, and slight misalignments.

If you’re tired of a worn out smile, contact Dr.Curtis’ dental office in the Bridgeport, Trumbull area today, and find out which teeth whitening option is right for you.