Are stained or discolored teeth preventing you from feeling your best, confident self? Do you wish there was a quick and easy way to transform your smile from dull and yellow to bright and radiant? If you answered yes to both of these questions, Dr. Julie Spaniel is pleased to tell you about in-office teeth whitening. Not only is professional teeth whitening one of the easiest ways to enhance your smile, it’s also one of the most effective. Using professional-strength bleaching gels and techniques, in-office teeth whitening has the ability to lighten teeth up to eight shades, for more transformative results than those achieved with over-the-counter whitening options like toothpastes or strips. Supervised by a member of our highly trained and experienced team at Summerwood Aesthetic Dentistry, in-office teeth whitening is comfortable, effective and can produce a beautiful and brighter smile in as little as one hour.
Are You A Candidate For In-Office Whitening?
Teeth whitening may be right for you if you have tooth discoloration or stains caused by any of the following:
- Consumption of tea, coffee or red wine
- Tobacco products
- Certain medications (e.g., tetracycline)
- Genetic factors
- Tooth decay or trauma
- The natural effects of aging
Not all tooth stains respond well to whitening, but there are alternative options. If Dr. Spaniel determines that you have stains or discoloration that cannot be effectively treated with teeth whitening, she may recommend another cosmetic treatment like porcelain veneers. Made of thin shells of beautifully crafted porcelain, veneers are slipped over the front surface of teeth to mask surface damage, including stains and discolorations. Dr. Spaniel can discuss the benefits of each treatment option in detail with you during your consultation.
Prior to undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatment, your teeth and gums will be checked to make sure they are in good health. If it’s been a while since your last teeth cleaning, we will recommend you have one before undergoing teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At Summerwood Aesthetic Dentistry, we perform convenient office, “chairside” whitening. During treatment, we will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth and activate it with a special blue light. Treatment is generally well tolerated, as a member of our team is present at all times to ensure patients do not experience sensitivity or uncomfortable side effects. The entire treatment takes no more than an hour. Teeth whitening has been clinically proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades.
Before treatment, a rubber shield will be placed over your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. Next, we will apply a layer of bleaching gel to your teeth and position the laser light in front of your teeth. The bleaching gel will remain on your teeth for about 15 minutes. The gel is then removed and replaced with another layer of bleaching gel, and the process is repeated several times until the desired shade of white is achieved. Results are noticeable immediately after treatment.
Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your dazzling smile. You should also avoid or limit eating or drinking foods that could stain your teeth. Our team may also provide you with some whitening trays so you can occasionally “touch up” your lighter smile at home.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening address all types of stains?
The two main types of stains are extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are more common and discolor the enamel (outermost layer) of your teeth. They are often caused by colored foods and tobacco. Intrinsic stains affect the inner layer of the teeth known as the dentin. They can usually be attributed to medication use or an injury. Teeth whitening is only effective on extrinsic stains.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Teeth whitening is an affordable way to improve your smile without making any \permanent changes to your teeth. Dr. Spaniel can discuss specific costs during an appointment so that you may make an informed decision on your care. Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by most dental insurance policies.
How white will my teeth look after this treatment?
The answer depends on the color of your teeth prior to treatment. While professional teeth whitening can brighten your teeth up to eight shades, it cannot transform yellowed teeth into sparkly white teeth in a single treatment. The good news is that you can undergo a second treatment to touch up your results for further whitening.
How long does teeth whitening last?
On average, patients notice that their extra whiteness lasts about a year. Accordingly, some of Dr. Spaniel’s patients return annually for another treatment so that they can enjoy having a bright white smile indefinitely. To enjoy your results for as long as possible, try to limit your consumption of teeth-staining foods and beverages like berries, wine, and coffee. Avoid smoking tobacco as well.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening is not a painful procedure. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, you are more likely to notice some post-treatment discomfort. To limit sensitivity, consume foods and beverages of a mild temperature in the days after whitening, and skip acidic and overly sweet foods.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have other dental problems?
Dr. Spaniel recommends addressing any outstanding dental issues prior to teeth whitening. Often, the bleaching process can amplify the discomfort associated with a cavity or gum disease. Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, the priority should always be to address the health of your teeth and gums first. Whitening can be completed after these other problems are addressed.
Does teeth whitening harm my teeth?
Researchers have looked for any hidden or long-term effects of whitening and found nothing. Teeth whitening does not seem to erode the teeth’s enamel or have consequences on the health of the teeth.
Will teeth whitening improve the color of my teeth that have had other cosmetic work done?
If you have had other dental treatments like bonding, a dental implant, a crown, or a dental bridge, these will not be affected by the bleaching process in the way that your natural teeth are, which can create an uneven color. For this reason, if you want whiter teeth, you may wish to whiten your teeth prior to having a crown, implant, etc. added so that it can match the whiter shade of your teeth.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Get started on a brighter smile by scheduling an in-office teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Spaniel. Contact Summerwood Aesthetic Dentistry by calling or sending us an email today.