Dr. David Erdman provides an extensive menu of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental services at his Fort Lauderdale office. Teeth whitening is one of his most sought-after and celebrated because it works so well. Learn more here by reading answers to frequently asked questions Dr. Erdman answers about whitening.

FAQs about professional teeth whitening

Why do teeth become yellow, dingy, and dull?

The answer is tooth enamel is porous and absorbent. So, whatever you eat and drink affects your tooth color. Plus age, medications, infrequent brushing and flossing, and smoking contribute to a less than perfect smile.

Is professional teeth whitening better than retail products?

The answer is a definite "yes." Teeth whitening offered by your dentist in Fort Lauderdale brightens teeth by eight to 10 shades of color. Plus, prospective whitening patients receive a complete oral examination before any cosmetic dental treatment.

So, you know your smile is safe and that the treatment will work. Sadly, many drugstore whitening toothpastes and strips do little to nothing to improve tooth color, or they may cause uncomfortable dental and gingival sensitivity.

How does in-office whitening work?

In-office whitening takes just one hour in the dental chair. Your dentist protects your lips and tongue with a plastic dam and applies highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel to all tooth surfaces. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) says this gel also contains a buffering agent which protects your teeth from uncomfortable sensitivity. After the gel seeps in, it's rinsed off and re-applied as needed.

How does at-home whitening work?

The principle is similar. Apply whitening gel to your teeth with customized trays. You leave them on your teeth as Dr. Erdman directs. After a week or two, you have a brilliantly bright smile.

Will my smile stay white?

Yes, it should be bright indefinitely if you:

• Quit tobacco.
• Drink your dark beverages, such as coffee and tea, with a straw.
• Diligently brush and floss according to American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines.
• Get your semi-annual cleanings at the dental office.
• Drink eight glasses of water a day to increase saliva production (saliva has whitening and antibacterial properties).
• Get whitening touch-ups with Dr Erdman as needed.

Find out more

Your brightest, healthiest smile can be just a phone call away. Why not arrange your cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Erdman in Fort Lauderdale, FL? He'll tell you if whitening is right for you. Phone us at (954) 564-1605.