One of the quickest ways to enjoy an instant smile makeover is with professional teeth whitening. It is one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Opus Dental Esthetics offers two whitening options so you can choose which best fits your needs and goals. We only use carefully selected professional tooth-whitening brands that yield optimal results with minimal sensitivity to teeth and gums. Our dental office offers Kor Deep Bleaching and Take Home Whitening with custom whitening trays.
Which Type of Teeth Whitening is Best For You?
Deep Bleaching
We offer deep bleaching for patients interested in getting the most dramatic results possible. Deep bleaching uses a combination of two to three in-office teeth bleaching treatments along with take-home treatments. A deep bleaching treatment is different because it offers significant teeth whitening, even for patients with dark teeth or tetracycline staining.
Deep bleaching works by restoring the ability of your teeth to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the deep bleaching gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules and whitening teeth to previously unattainable levels. The results of deep bleaching last longer than more conventional teeth whitening methods.
Take-home Whitening
Take-home professional teeth whitening is popular because of its convenience and affordability. This safe and simple treatment is more effective than over-the-counter teeth whitening products and less expensive than our other whitening procedures.
An impression of your teeth is taken to craft custom teeth whitening trays. Our dental assistants will walk you through the process, showing you how to apply the tooth-whitening gel and discussing how long your bleaching trays should be worn daily to achieve your desired results.
At-home teeth whitening is also great for touch-ups, accelerating other whitening methods, and maintaining your beautiful white smile after any whitening treatment.
Are There Other Ways to Whiten Teeth?
Unfortunately, some people’s teeth will not respond well to teeth whitening. There are various reasons why teeth can darken. Drinking coffee, red wine, or tea, using tobacco, and aging are the typical reasons teeth become stained. Internal factors, such as tooth damage or medications, will cause your teeth to darken.
These types of internal darkening will most likely not respond to professional whitening. This is because these stains are intrinsic. Intrinsic tooth stains come from within teeth. If you damage your tooth, whether worn over time or sustain a sudden injury, you can expose the underlayer beneath your enamel called dentin. This layer appears darker than bright tooth enamel, so your tooth will appear disclosed when damaged. Medications can also change the color of teeth without external factors.
Our experienced cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your oral health and lifestyle habits at your consultation. If it is determined by one of our dentists that teeth whitening will not work for you, we will recommend other options. Porcelain veneers, tooth bonding treatment, and dental crowns can brighten teeth. These options can also address problems like slightly crooked teeth, chipped teeth, and otherwise damaged teeth.
How to Prevent Tooth Stains
After you complete teeth whitening treatment, you want to keep your teeth bright. There are several things you can do at home to prevent further tooth stains and discoloration:
- Stop Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, vaping, and other tobacco products can yellow your tooth enamel. Tar, or tobacco residue, can easily stain teeth a yellow-brown. You can prevent further staining if you receive whitening treatment and quit smoking.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Sodas, juices, wines, berries, and tomato-based sauces can easily stain your teeth. These foods and drinks can also contain acids that break down your enamel over time. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain can keep teeth bright after you receive whitening treatment.
- Brush and Floss: Stains from foods and drinks can affect your teeth even after whitening treatment. Plaque buildup can also change the color of your teeth. Flossing before brushing can remove food debris and plaque between teeth while brushing can remove plaque and temporary stains from foods and drinks. After you whiten your teeth, brushing and flossing will help you maintain your results.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What other types of teeth whitening options are available?
Our doctors make beautiful, natural-looking porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and tooth bonding as alternative options for teeth that do not respond well to traditional whitening treatments.
Will teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Over the years, the whitening process has been refined to minimize sensitivity issues. However, some patients may still experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening their teeth. If you do get sensitivity, it should subside in a few days. It is only temporary and nothing to worry about. If you experience sensitivity, contact our dental assistants, who may have suggestions on alleviating tooth sensitivity.
What is better: teeth whitening at the dentist or teeth whitening kits from a retail store?
Technically, both options will whiten your teeth, depending on how long you want it to last and how quickly you want white teeth. We recommend professional teeth whitening versus the over-the-counter options for the best results. Your dentist can customize professional whitening to meet your goals. It is also more effective, and there is much less risk of tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of whitening.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Your diet, oral hygiene routine, and whitening method will impact how often you require whitening touch-ups. Deep bleaching treatments and take-home trays will not require frequent touch-ups and can last over 6 to 12 months. However, eating foods that stain your teeth and not brushing and flossing thoroughly can discolor your teeth sooner rather than later.
Can I permanently whiten my teeth?
Patients who want permanent whitening results can benefit from dental veneers. Veneers can cover the front of all teeth in your smile line. We use porcelain veneers because they can be color-matched to your desired tooth shade and last for many years.
Does insurance pay for teeth whitening?
No. The cost of teeth whitening treatments is not covered by dental insurance. Dental insurance providers do not view this cosmetic treatment as necessary. Although, we do provide financing options to help our patients afford great dental care.