Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Quick, effective and relatively inexpensive, teeth whitening is an excellent option for improving the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening is also commonly used in combination with other cosmetic dental and restorative dentistry procedures as part of a total smile make over.
Our teeth naturally darken as we age. Other factors that cause our teeth to become dull and discolored are dark foods and beverages such as coffee and wine, tobacco use, certain medications and family history.
Teeth whitening procedures by our dentists are customized to your teeth and are safe, effective, and provide a bright, white smile with just one visit.
Most people will see whiter, brighter teeth for six months, with many seeing the results for one, two, or even three years. The foods and beverages you consume, medications you take, smoking, and even genetics all impact how long your teeth stay white.
Our doctors are able to customize the level of whitening to the patient’s individual tooth sensitivity. However, if you do have some pain or discomfort, avoid hot and cold foods, acidic beverages, and foods, and choose a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. It is important to note that pain is typically associated with the home or over-the-counter whitening products, not procedures completed by a dentist.
If you have sensitive teeth or have had tooth and mouth pain after using at-home whitening kits, talk to your dentist. We can use different formulations that do not trigger tooth sensitivity.
To extend the bright white of your smile, avoid any type of foods that cause stains. These include berries, coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, fruit juices, balsamic vinegar, turmeric, curry, tomato sauces and pastes, and other similar dark or acidic types of foods and beverages. Smoking is also a leading cause of discoloration of the teeth.
Most dental insurance policies do not cover cosmetic dental procedures. Talk to our team about your specific insurance coverage and options for payment.