Professional teeth whitening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to enhance your smile and one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments today. Dr. Emily Ann Reece offers teeth whitening in her Cary, NC, dental office. She will meet with you to evaluate your needs and your dental health, as well as discuss your cosmetic goals, before recommending treatment.
If your tooth stains are resistant to teeth whitening products, we offer cosmetic treatments such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and tooth bonding. These treatments not only address discolored teeth but offer longer-lasting results. We welcome you to learn about the causes of tooth discoloration and teeth whitening treatment in the Raleigh and Cary areas at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Many everyday habits and factors can speed up tooth discoloration:
- Tobacco: Smoking or using other tobacco products causes yellow, brown, or even grayish stains. Most people can identify a smoker just by looking at their smile.
- Aging: Over time, your enamel naturally thins out. This allows the yellowish dentin underneath to become more visible.
- Food and Drinks: Dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda leave stains on your teeth over time. The more often you consume them, the faster discoloration happens.
- Genetics: Some people are born with thicker, whiter enamel than others. Your genes play a big role in how bright your smile stays as you age.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. This buildup can make your smile look yellow and dull.
- Tooth Damage: Trauma to the mouth can cause a tooth to turn dark or gray. Certain medications can also cause tooth staining that is difficult to remove with regular whitening.
Teeth Whitening Treatment at Reedy Creek
Dr. Reece customizes your whitening treatment to meet your needs and goals. She will thoroughly examine your teeth prior to treatment to determine if whitening teeth will address your tooth staining and discoloration. In-office treatment consists of Dr. Reece applying whitening gel to the enamel and curing it with light. The in-office teeth whitening process typically involves several steps.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Protecting the Gums
The first thing Dr. Reece will do is clean your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. This will ensure that the whitening solution will penetrate the teeth evenly. The next step is to place a dental dam in your mouth or use protective gel to cover your gums to protect them. This will help cut down on any sensitivity and irritation.
Teeth Bleaching
Dr. Reece will apply a strong bleaching gel on the surface of your teeth. It will contain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the main ingredient to whiten teeth. This is typically left on for 15-30 minutes, where it will penetrate the enamel.
Gel Activation
Using a special light, she will activate the gel. This process may be repeated a few times to reach your desired level of whitening. Dr. Reece will ensure you achieve your smile goals with minimal tooth sensitivity.
To maintain your smile following your treatment, avoid substances that are known to cause tooth discoloration. Beverages like sodas, tea, and coffee should be consumed through a straw to help avoid the liquids from staining your smile. Avoid smoking and tobacco products as they can yellow and discolor teeth as well.
Patient Review
Teeth Whitening FAQs
If you would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening, read through our frequently asked questions section. Here, we address all the top questions patients have about this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. If you still have specific questions about our tooth whitening treatments, please feel free to reach out to helpful dental staff.
Is the teeth whitening procedure safe?
Professional teeth whitening is completely safe for you and for your teeth. However, we do not recommend professional whitening for:
- Children who are under the age of 13 because their teeth are still forming.
- Pregnant or lactating women because the calcium in their teeth may be weakened by their pregnancy.
- Patients with deep tooth stains
Otherwise, professional teeth whitening treatment is a safe and effective way of erasing years of stains from your teeth.
Are store-bought teeth whitening kits effective?
Over-the-counter tooth whiteners may claim to whiten teeth quickly. But whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels whiten the teeth very slowly. Store-bought whitening products cannot whiten teeth by multiple shades all at once. Some of these products can also contain chemicals that can damage your teeth and gums. If you want an effective teeth-whitening treatment, contact Dr. Reece for a consultation.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
No, teeth whitening should not hurt. With professional whitening, our Cary dental office ensures that the soft tissues in your mouth are protected from the bleaching solution. If anything, you’ll feel some sensitivity for a few days after the whitening procedure. Although we use products designed to prevent sensitivity, some patients are more susceptible than others.
Should my teeth be cleaned before or after whitening?
Professional teeth whitening works best on freshly cleaned teeth. We recommend scheduling a dental cleaning and whitening in the same appointment at our office. If your teeth aren’t clean, whitening results are patchy due to plaque and tartar buildup.
When can I eat and drink after teeth whitening treatment?
Wait for half an hour after your whitening treatment to eat or drink anything. Also, avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth for 48 hours. The two days following your whitening treatment are the most crucial for staining because the pores on your teeth remain open. If you drink beverages like coffee or tea, use a straw to minimize staining.
How long do the results of teeth whitening last?
Results last anywhere from six months to three years. There are many different factors that change how long results last for different patients. Genetically, some teeth are more responsive to whitening treatment than others. Your lifestyle habits play a factor as well. If you smoke or frequently drink coffee or tea, your whitening results won’t last as long as others.
How often can I get my teeth whitened?
Even with professional-grade products that minimize sensitivity, too many whitening treatments can cause issues. Only whiten your teeth once or twice a year. Whitening more often means more problems with sensitivity, and the shade of your teeth looks unnatural.
Am I an good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most patients can get teeth whitening treatment. But some stains can’t be addressed with traditional whitening methods. In these cases, we offer solutions like dental bonding or veneers to get the white smile you’re looking for.
Book an Appointment for Teeth Whitening in Cary, NC
Do you want to whiten your teeth by multiple shades at once? Call Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-646-6294 for professional whitening treatment in Cary and Raleigh, NC. You may also request a consultation with Dr. Reece on our website.
