Is teeth whitening treatment safe?

Our teeth whitening services are both effective and safe. Studies have shown that the whitening gel used for the procedure doesn’t harm the tooth or the inner pulp. Teeth whitening is also safe for patients who have restorations like dental crowns or porcelain veneers. However, the materials used for restorations don’t react to the whitening agents in the way natural teeth do — so your dental work may not match your teeth.

Can I permanently whiten my teeth?

While it’s not possible to seal the teeth against future stains, there are lifestyle changes you can adopt to make your whitening treatment last longer including: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day Flossing daily and after meals Avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth Discoloration and yellowing of the teeth is a natural process that occurs over time based on numerous factors, including how you care for your smile. Most of Dr. Grubb’s patients like to come in for a teeth whitening treatment every year.

Are there any preparations for teeth whitening treatment?

Dr. Grubb recommends that patients who are undergoing teeth whitening treatment avoid acidic foods or beverages for at least 48 hours before their appointment. Also, teeth whitening is more effective when there is no plaque buildup, so it’s a good idea to schedule your procedure after your biannual checkup and cleaning. This will ensure that you get the best results out of professional teeth whitening and that your smile is as white as can be.

Does insurance cover professional teeth whitening?

Most insurance agencies won’t cover the cost of professional teeth whitening due to the procedure not being considered medically necessary. Still, our practice recommends that you contact your provider to get an accurate understanding of your policy. Dr. Grubb will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about our teeth whitening services and provide you with different financing options.

(410) 939-5800

Types of Teeth Whitening: Professional Methods

Customizing Your Teeth Whitening Experience

A bright and healthy-looking smile can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-confidence and overall appearance. To whiten teeth effectively, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available. However, professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Teeth whitening treatments are available in a variety of types and can be performed either in-office or at home depending on your dentist’s services.

To learn more about our teeth whitening methods at our Havre De Grace, MD dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (410) 939-5800 to schedule an appointment.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is the most common type of professional teeth whitening treatment. It’s performed in a dental office and involves a strong bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that’s applied to the teeth. The bleaching agent is activated using a special light or laser, which speeds up the whitening process.

In-office whitening treatments usually take about an hour to complete and can provide dramatic results in a single session. A professional teeth whitening procedure is ideal for individuals who want fast, dramatic results or who have deep stains that can’t be effectively treated with at-home whitening kits.

Depending on your dentist, you may undergo teeth whitening with:

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Systems
Deep Bleaching
Opalescence Boost
Brite Smile
KöR Whitening
Laser Teeth Whitening

If you’re ready to learn more about the teeth whitening process, contact our Havre De Grace, MD dentists today to achieve whiter teeth.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening can be performed at home using custom-made whitening trays and a professional-strength whitening gel. Tooth bleaching is another term for these procedures, which involve using bleaching agents to whiten teeth. The teeth whitening trays are made from impressions of the patient’s teeth, which ensures a comfortable and precise fit.

At-home professional teeth whitening kits are typically less expensive than in-office treatments and can provide excellent results over time. These treatments may take longer to achieve the desired results, but they can be a convenient and effective option for individuals who prefer to whiten their teeth at home.

Whitening Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Professional teeth whitening treatments can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. This sensitivity may occur due to the whitening agent used in the treatment or by the trays used to hold the gel in place.

If you have tooth sensitivity, there are several options and considerations to keep in mind:

Choose a dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth: A dentist who’s experienced in treating sensitive teeth will be able to identify potential problems and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Use a lower-strength bleaching agent: A lower-strength bleaching agent can be used to minimize the risk of sensitivity. This may require more frequent treatments to achieve the desired results.
Use desensitizing agents: Desensitizing agents can be applied to the teeth before or after the whitening treatment to reduce sensitivity.
Consider at-home teeth whitening: At-home treatments can be a good option for individuals with sensitive teeth, as they can be used at a slower pace to minimize sensitivity.
Avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening products: Over-the-counter products, such as teeth whitening strips or teeth whitening toothpaste, can cause tooth sensitivity. Contact your dentist for a professional office whitening treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can professional teeth whitening treatment remove all stains?

Can I get a teeth whitening treatment if I have dental restorations?

Can I undergo teeth whitening if I have braces?

How often can I undergo professional teeth whitening treatments?

Can professional teeth whitening treatment remove all stains?

While professional teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove many types of surface stains, they may not be able to remove all types of stains. Deep, intrinsic stains caused by medication, trauma, or genetics may require additional treatments or cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, to effectively improve the appearance of the teeth.

Can I get a teeth whitening treatment if I have dental restorations?

Professional teeth whitening treatments are most effective on natural teeth and may not produce the same results on dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. It’s important to discuss any dental restorations with your dentist before undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment to determine the best course of action.

Can I undergo teeth whitening if I have braces?

Professional teeth whitening treatments aren’t recommended for individuals with braces as the bleaching agent can’t penetrate the brackets and wires. However, once the braces are removed, a professional teeth whitening treatment can be performed to achieve a brighter, more even smile.

How often can I undergo professional teeth whitening treatments?

The frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments will depend on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. Most dentists recommend waiting at least six months between treatments to avoid over-bleaching the teeth and causing sensitivity.

Discover a Brighter Smile at Family Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry With Teeth Whitening!

Do you want whiter teeth? Contact our dentist today to learn more about professional teeth whitening treatments and see which option is best for you. Don’t let stained or discolored teeth hold you back from feeling confident and proud of your smile. Get your teeth whitened today!

Contact our Havre De Grace, MD dentist’s office by calling (410) 939-5800 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation.