Teeth Whitening

Are stains, yellowing, and discoloration making you feel self-conscious about your smile? Dr. Umair and Dr. Irum are here to help with expert teeth whitening services in Macomb. Contact us online or give us a call at 586-784-6725 to book a cosmetic consultation, and see if teeth whitening is right for you or stop by our office located at 22537 Hall Road, Macomb, MI 48042.

Opal dental group's lobby

What is teeth whitening?

There are lots of different teeth whitening products and treatments available, but they all use the same type of chemicals. These are called “peroxides,” and the most common types are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.

When these chemicals contact stains on your teeth, they snap the bonds that hold them in place. This “bleaches” them away from the enamel, restoring its natural and bright appearance.

Teeth whitening can treat almost any kind of external stain. However, it can’t be used for some extremely deep stains, or for internal tooth stains. Other cosmetic treatments like veneers or dental bonding may be required to treat these conditions.

benefitsof teeth whitening

Wondering why you should have your teeth whitened at Opal Dental Group? Choosing teeth whitening has a variety of great benefits. Here are just a few of them.

  • Non-invasive – Teeth whitening is completely non-invasive. While some sensitivity may occur, it’s also a completely pain-free way to restore your smile.
  • Fast results – If you choose in-office teeth whitening, you can improve your smile by up to 5-10 shades in just one appointment. At-home whitening treatment takes a few weeks, but will also provide incredible results.
  • Affordable treatment – Typically, teeth whitening is the least expensive way to get started with cosmetic dentistry and enhance your smile. It’s a very budget-friendly option.
  • Restores confidence - Most importantly, teeth whitening allows you to restore your confidence by eliminating years of discoloration. You can smile, speak, chew, and laugh without fear, anxiety, or feelings of self-consciousness.

preventative

preventative

Prevention is the best way to take care of your smile. Regular cleanings, preventive treatments, and an effective at-home oral care routine, help keep your teeth beautiful and healthy.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is optimal for nervous patients who want to feel more relaxed, but don’t want to be deeply sedated. With nitrous oxide, you’ll feel calm and comfortable, while remaining fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. When your treatment is finished, this sedation option will wear off within just a few minutes and has very minimal side effects.

Oral Conscious

Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients who are undergoing dental surgery or want to be deeply sedated. Because anterograde amnesia is very common with this sedation option, you may likely forget most of your procedure and feel groggy or sleepy after your treatment. The after-effects of this option can also last a minimum of 4-6 hours, so it’s key to plan accordingly.

The teeth whitening process

The teeth whitening process is slightly different depending on whether you choose in-office whitening or take-home treatment. For in-office whitening, you’ll come into our office for an appointment with Dr. Umair or Dr. Irum. They will clean your teeth and prepare your mouth for the whitening treatment.

A special protectant will be applied to your gums, and retractors will be used to keep your gums, tongue, and lips away from the whitener. After this, they will apply the whitener, activate it with a UV light, and leave it in place for a few minutes. Then, the whitener will be rinsed away. This process will be repeated until your desired level of brightness is reached. Then, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your new smile.

For take-home whitening, you’ll come in for a quick fitting at Opal Dental Group. Dr. Umair or Dr. Irum will take molds of your teeth and gums, and use these to make a set of reusable whitening trays. You’ll come back in a few weeks to pick them up, and to get your whitening products.

You will usually whiten your teeth at home for about an hour a day, and the treatment process may last up to 2-3 weeks, depending on your level of staining. By the end of your treatment, your smile will look bright, beautiful, and brilliant once again.

When is Sedation Recommended?

Sedation can be recommended for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to overcome dental anxiety. Many patients experience dental fears, preventing them from getting the routine professional care they need to maintain a strong smile. Sedation allows patients to sit in the dentist’s chair feeling peaceful throughout their appointment. We also recommend sedation for patients who are undergoing intensive dental surgery and want to secure a painless, comfortable procedure.

At Opal Dental Group, you can trust you’ll receive gentle, accommodating care from our kind team of dental pros. It’s our goal to treat you with highly-personalized care and offer honest recommendations, so you can achieve your healthiest, happiest smile. If you have questions about receiving sedation dentistry from Opal Dental Group, get in touch with us today!

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Have Questions About Sedation? Find Answers Here!

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How is nitrous oxide administered?

When receiving this method of sedation, one of our dentists will pump a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen through a comfortable nose mask. While breathing in the gas, you’ll begin to feel relaxed and “dreamy,” while remaining completely conscious and responsive to commands. Once your appointment is complete, your nose mask will be removed and the nitrous oxide will wear off quickly.

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How is oral conscious sedation administered?

Oral conscious sedation is taken about 30-60 minutes before your dental appointment in the form of a strong sedative liquid or pill. Once the sedation begins, you will most likely fall asleep during your procedure.

With oral conscious sedation, the side effects of sleepiness and grogginess are prolonged, and often lasts 4-6 hours after your appointment. When opting for oral conscious sedation, make sure to have a trusted friend or family member remain with you until the sedative has completely subsided.

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Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes! Sedation dentistry is safely provided by experienced, qualified professionals and can be used to alleviate anxiety for patients of all ages. As long as you’re healthy, aren’t taking any medications that may interfere with treatment, and have no history of drug use, you can be sedated safely.

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