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Brushing and flossing help keep your teeth brighter, whiter, and healthier. However, some foods will still stain your teeth. 

Whitening procedures are the best and most popular solutions for treating teeth stains. In fact, according to the American Association Of Orthodontists, nearly 90% of people want to get a teeth whitening procedure. 

Read on to learn more about the teeth whitening procedures offered by Dr. W. Edwin Dawkins, Jr., DDS, at Dawkins Family Dental in Oxford, Mississippi.

Teeth Whitening Methods

• In-Office Bleaching

In-office teeth whitening procedures are performed in a dental office. The method takes about an hour and dramatically improves the appearance of your teeth, making them up to 8 shades whiter. 

• Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels

Teeth whitening procedures using trays and gels are effective but take longer to show results than in-office bleaching. 

This method uses a peroxide gel placed in a tray that is customized to fit the shape of your teeth. To see the results, you must wear the tray for a few hours a day and overnight. 

• Teeth Whitening Strips

You can find teeth whitening strips at every store across the country. They are the least expensive solution for teeth whitening. However, depending on how stained or dark your teeth are, they are not as efficient as the other methods. 

• Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Teeth whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives that help remove stains. Some of them contain additional polishing agents and particular chemicals that make them more effective against stains than regular toothpaste. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Teeth Whitening 

At Dawkins Family Dental, the in-office teeth whitening procedure has the following steps:

• First, you will discuss with Dr. W. Edwin Dawkins, Jr., DDS, to understand if the whitening procedure is right for you. For instance, if you have fillings or caps, bleaching may not be the best solution and the doctor will recommend a different solution.
• After the consultation session, Dr. Dawkins will set up an appointment for the teeth whitening procedure.
• During the procedure, the dental hygienist will insert a lip retractor into your mouth.
• Next, they will apply a gingival barrier to protect the teeth from bleach during the whitening procedure and a whitening gel. 
• Then, they will activate the gel using a curing light. 

At Dawkins Family Dental in Oxford, MS, we offer professional in-office teeth whitening procedures and other family dental services. For more information, call us at (662) 234-5725, book online, or visit us at 440 N Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655.