The holiday season is upon us! For Floridians, that means wedding season, holiday photos, and hopefully catching up on some family get-togethers we may have missed because of COVID. Be sure you’re ready to show off your brightest smile to all your loved ones this holiday season. With plenty of tooth whitening options to choose from, your dental team here at Lake Baldwin Dental is ready to make your winter whites sparkle!

Tooth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be a major complication when it comes to brightening your smile. Most whitening agents will increase tooth sensitivity for many patients. In our office we affectionately call them “zingers,” but the feeling is anything but cute. Is there any way to whiten your teeth without feeling like you’re going to go through the roof?

Good news! Yes, you can have whiter teeth, even with sensitivity! There are a few recommendations we can make for which methods and products you should use, as well as what to do before and after whitening to minimize discomfort.

Before You Whiten

For at least two weeks before whitening, avoid abrasive products like whitening and charcoal toothpaste, as these will make your sensitivity worse. Switch to an anti-sensitivity paste like Sensodyne. Or, if you’re already using one and need something stronger, call our office for prescription strength anti-sensitivity products. No matter what type of whitening you plan to do, minimizing your sensitivity in advance is a great plan.

It’s also a great idea to get caught up on your dental cleanings before you whiten. That way, our amazing hygienists can polish away any external stains and ensure your teeth are free of debris that would compromise your whitening results.

What Type of Whitening Is Best for Sensitive Teeth?

There are two main branches of professional tooth whitening: take-home trays and in-office whitening. Both have the potential to trigger sensitivity. The sensitivity that comes from take-home trays is usually mild, but may linger as the trays have to be worn for up to two weeks for full results. In-office whitening can cause very intense sensitivity, but it’s usually over in about 24 hours. It’s really up to your preference as to what you think will be more tolerable for you.

However, there is one caveat: take-home trays come with two options for gel. The hydrogen peroxide-based gel (called “Day White” in the ZOOM! brand) is what most people use. It’s great for yellow shades and you only have to wear it for about half an hour at a time. However, there is also carbamide peroxide, or “Night White.” This formula is great for grey shades and it breaks down more slowly. That means it is best worn overnight (hence the name). It also means less sensitivity! Night White is a great option for patients seeking a low-sensitivity option for whitening!

After You Whiten

You want to make sure you get the best possible results and that those results last as long as possible. If at all possible, avoid staining foods and beverages, as well as tobacco products, during your whitening process and for a few days afterward. But let’s be real, we can’t just go cold turkey on our pumpkin spice lattes, right? At a time like this?? Try to drink your coffee through a straw while you’re whitening as an alternative.

Also, to minimize sensitivity, keep using that anti-sensitivity toothpaste for at least two weeks after treatment and continue to avoid those abrasive products. To be honest, they don’t really work anyway.

In a Hurry? Get Whiter Teeth Now!

As we mentioned above, take-home trays take about one to two weeks for your most profound shade change. If you’re just now realizing you’ve got an event this weekend and you want your smile to look great in the photos, don’t worry. You’re not too late! In-office whitening with ZOOM! can get your teeth ready in no time.

In-office whitening is a great option if you need same-day results, or if you just aren’t interested in waiting a week. For this process, you come and relax for a bit, watch some TV, take a nap, and leave with your brightest smile! The process uses a professional-grade gel activated by UV light to penetrate into the enamel and gently lift stains. The gel is refreshed four times throughout the process to ensure you get the best possible results.

While you’re relaxing under the spa light, your dental assistant will also fabricate take-home trays that you can use to touch up and maintain your shade in the future, as well as to apply a concentrated anti-sensitivity treatment after your whitening appointment. We also recommend using anti-sensitivity toothpaste before and after this procedure if you can!

Tooth Whitening Kits and Pens Make Great Stocking Stuffers, Too!

If you’re interested in brightening your smile, and you’re looking for holiday gifts at the same time, we’ve got you covered. Lake Baldwin Dental is offering Buy One Get One on whitening services! Why not treat yourself to whiter teeth in time for the holiday and gift another to someone whose smile means the world to you?

Don’t think ZOOM! in the office is a good fit for your giftee? We also offer whitening kits, which include everything your loved one will need for take-home trays in a cute pouch. All they need to do is come in for us to fabricate the trays and they will be on their way to enjoying whiter teeth.

For those who have already whitened their teeth and just need a touch-up between sessions, Whitening Pens are an easy and affordable option that can make a great stocking stuffer or holiday gift. If you have questions, call us for more information on whitening your teeth right here in Baldwin Park. Keep smiling your brightest smiles, Orlando!