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Holiday parties, family get-togethers, and long-distance Zoom calls: ‘tis the season for spreading a little warmth and light during the darkest month of the year. As we get together with our friends and loved ones after another challenging year, it’s natural we all want to look our best. But are your teeth ready to smile bright this season, or are you facing a case of holiday tooth discoloration?

Having a dull or yellowed smile can be like the single burnt-out light in a strand: it dims the whole effect. Of course, brightening up your teeth isn’t quite as easy as replacing a broken bulb. Years of coffee, red wine, pasta sauce, and other popular food and drinks can steadily color our teeth. The good news is that in no time at all, your dentist can help you uncover the bright smile waiting underneath!

Teeth Whitening in Albany, OR

How Does Teeth Whitening Keep Your Smile Bright?

Teeth whitening works by removing surface stains from enamel, making teeth look white and clean. While at-home tooth whitening kits have gained popularity in recent years, the fact is that they’re not nearly as effective or fast-acting as an in-office tooth whitening treatment. Even a professional take-home kit can take weeks of reapplication to work, while a single session in your dentist’s office can send you home with a gorgeously bright smile.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt Gums?

One concern many people have when considering whether to get their teeth whitened is whether the process is totally safe. Luckily there’s a simple answer: it’s very safe, especially when done by a professional. Some teeth whitening chemicals can irritate your gums, but these symptoms should go away within 24 hours. In some cases gum disease can compound these side effects, and if you notice any gum bleeding you should contact your dentist right away. But overall, teeth whitening is a safe and easy procedure for everyone.

Can You Whiten Fillings?

Another thing to keep in mind is the presence of fillings or crowns. Unfortunately, these materials do not react to whitening chemicals and will not change color along with the rest of your teeth. To avoid blemishing your bright smile with darker fillings or crowns, talk to your doctor first about the best option to keep your mouth full of pearly whites beautifully uniform.

Give Yourself The Gift Of A Beautiful Smile

If you’re thinking of investing in a more beautiful smile, what better time to do it than when your friends and family can all appreciate it? Teeth whitening is a simple, easy solution to the lifelong problem of tooth discoloration. The cost of teeth whitening at the dentist can vary depending on your needs, so the first step is to talk to your dentist about achieving your perfect smile. 

Pinnacle Dental Associates is dedicated to helping our patients get the most out of their dental treatments, whether you’re looking for a bright smile this holiday season or a new year’s tooth cleaning. After all, it’s a busy time of year for cookie tins and sugary sweets, so don’t forget to schedule a cleaning to keep your teeth healthy and bright! Click here to book an appointment today, or check out our Holiday Whitening patient special (good through 12/31/21)!