If you've been dreaming of a brighter, more confident smile, our professional teeth whitening service at The SPA by Amber Budd Atelier is here to make it happen! Whether you're prepping for a big event or simply treating yourself to a confidence boost, we're answering all your burning questions about the process, sensitivity, LED technology, and how to get the most out of your appointment. Let's get glowing!
1. Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Great question! Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity because the active ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) temporarily open the tiny pores in your enamel. This allows the whitening agent to lift stains deep within your teeth—but it also briefly exposes nerve endings, which can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature or pressure for a short time.
Don’t worry—this sensitivity usually fades within 24-48 hours. To help minimize discomfort, we recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne) for a few days before and after your appointment.
2. Does teeth whitening work on crowns?
Here’s the deal: Teeth whitening works on natural teeth only because whitening agents target the stains in tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which don’t have the same porous structure and therefore don’t respond to whitening treatments. That being said, we've found most people have a good outcome with their natural teeth matching their crown more after whitening. If you have a veneer, or multiple veneers, you may want to speak with your Dentist prior to whitening.
3. How does LED light help teeth whitening work?
LED light is a total game-changer for professional teeth whitening! When paired with a whitening gel, the LED light helps accelerate the chemical reaction that lifts stains from your enamel. In short, the light speeds up the process, so you can achieve noticeable results in a shorter amount of time. Think of it as a little boost to make your smile extra bright!
4. How often do I need to whiten my teeth?
How often you whiten depends on your lifestyle and goals. Most clients find that whitening every 6-12 months keeps their smile fresh and vibrant. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine (no judgment here—we love our americanos, too!), you might want to touch up a bit more frequently.
We can help you create a maintenance schedule that works for your lifestyle to keep your teeth looking *chef’s kiss* perfect!
5. What should I do (or not do) before my whitening appointment?
Here’s how to set yourself up for the best results:
DO: Schedule a professional cleaning with your dentist beforehand - Whitening works best on teeth free of plaque and tartar. But DO make sure its several days to weeks prior to whitening. You'll be more prone to sensitivity if we do it the same day as a teeth cleaning.
DON’T: Brush your teeth immediately before your appointment. Scrubbing can make your teeth and gums extra sensitive to the whitening gel. Give yourself a little buffer time!
6. What should I NOT do right after my appointment?
Don't eat or drink anything other than water for the first 1 hour after whitening.
For the first 24 hours after whitening, your teeth are more porous (and more prone to staining), so think of them as a blank canvas! Avoid the following for a day:
Coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sodas
Tobacco products
Dark-colored foods like berries, tomato sauce, and chocolate
Stick to lighter foods and clear beverages, like chicken, rice, white fish, cauliflower, apples, bananas, and water. Your results will thank you!
7. Can’t I just use strips at home?
Ah, the age-old question! While whitening strips can help lighten your teeth over time, they’re not as effective as professional treatments. Here’s why:
Strips use a lower concentration of whitening agents, so results are slower and less dramatic.
They don’t whiten evenly, often missing crevices between teeth.
They’re not customized to your smile, so they can cause gum irritation.
They take longer! Who wants the hassle of multiple days/weeks of treatment, when you can get better results in ~ an hour!?
Professional teeth whitening delivers faster, more even results with less hassle—and in just one visit, you can leave with a noticeably brighter smile!
Ready to Shine? Let’s Get You Scheduled!
Teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to boost your smile and confidence. Whether you're new to whitening or ready for a refresh, we’re here to help you glow! Give us a call or book your appointment online—your brighter smile is waiting.
PS: Have more questions? We’re always here to chat about your smile goals—just reach out!
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