Teeth Whitening
At Gainesville Dental Arts we offer a highly professional teeth whitening service
that is tailored to the individual and will ensure safe treatment and impressive
results. Tooth whitening is a minimally invasive, safe and rewarding aesthetic solution
for people displaying tooth discoloration.
Teeth Whitening
A beautiful sparkling smile reflects confidence and catches everyone’s attention.
With the new advances in dental techniques, getting a healthy and a beautiful smile
has become easily accessible. People prefer to opt for professional whitening treatments
in the dental office as opposed to home treatments as it is faster, safer and offers
the best results. Regular consumption of substances like tea, coffee, berries, wine,
tobacco, and smoking with by-products of tar and nicotine lead to staining of teeth.
In addition neglecting daily oral care, heredity, aging or wearing braces for a
longer duration of time can also change the natural color of the teeth. Teeth whitening
can do far more than revitalize your smile – it can revitalize your self-image,
your mannerisms and the impression that you make on others.
An initial consultation assesses tooth discoloration type and degree as well as
general dental health. We will guide you through the latest procedures in whitening;
discuss your preferences, lifestyle factors, timing and any previous experiences
before recommending your tailored whitening treatment plan.
Whitening is a process where the tooth discoloration is ‘whitened’ to a lighter
shade. It removes the staining agent through chemical means. It is a safe procedure
when carried out under professional supervision. Treatment results usually depend
on the severity of the discoloration. Both vital (i.e. live) and non-vital teeth
(e.g. tooth with root removed) can be bleached and may take several visits to complete.
It is not effective on dental restorations such as amalgam fillings, metal or porcelain
crowns, etc.
Teeth can discolor for various reasons. Our dentist will recommend the most ideal
method based on your oral condition after an in-office examination to establish
the cause and nature of your tooth discoloration, as well as provide you with more
information on the various types of whitening procedures available, duration & frequency
of treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
You already know that whitening works, but do you know how?
Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic
stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the micro
cracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath
your enamel). Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some
of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove
the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your
teeth to look discolored.
Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide
or hydrogen peroxide) that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules.
Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in
your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread,
whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.
We can help you whiten your teeth in several ways:
- Professional Tooth cleaning is often sufficient for removing
most external stains. This is usually the first step in the process and our experienced
hygienists will ensure you have a comfortable, thorough cleaning session and can
recommend a home care regime to get the most out of your whitening procedure.
- Take Home Whitening using custom fabricated whitening trays,
we will design a protocol for you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home
with a range of different strength whitening gels for different lengths of time
to minimize sensitivity and maximize results. Most individuals achieve their desired
result within 3-4 weeks and you have control of your end result.
Teeth Whitening Candidates
Ideal Candidates – Types of Stains and Discoloration Over time, the teeth can become
stained or discolored due to a varied number of factors. Below are some common types
of tooth discoloration and staining that may be treatable through teeth whitening.
Food and Beverage Stains - Coffee, cola, red wines and teas – as well as foods such
as sauces, hard candies and berries – can all stain the teeth over time. With teeth
whitening treatment, we can apply a whitening agent to the tooth that will penetrate
the enamel and break up this staining and discoloration.
Tobacco Stains - If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, you’ll likely notice that
your teeth have yellowed and become dull over time. Individuals who suffer with
yellowed and dull teeth as a result of tobacco usage are encouraged to explore teeth
whitening treatment – it can have a real and lasting impact on your confidence and
self-esteem.
Discolored and Dull Teeth - As we age, our teeth begin to lose their youthful, healthy
luster, slowly yellowing and becoming both duller and darker. With teeth whitening,
we can help restore the enamel’s youthful luster and brighten the teeth.
Tetracycline Stains - Tetracycline is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for acne
and rosacea treatment. Its long-term use can result in staining of the dentin, which
is not treatable through standard teeth bleaching. If you have undergone tetracycline
treatment in the past for acne or rosacea, or are currently using this antibiotic,
porcelain veneers can be utilized to help you realize your cosmetic goals.
Treatment will not be offered to those with chemically induced asthma, pregnancy
or breast-feeding, under 18 years, on certain medication, or undergoing dental treatment.
Please call us to get more information at Gainesville Dental Arts
Take Home Whitening
Have you lost confidence in your smile due to discoloration or staining? Fear not,
your Gainesville Dental Arts has a convenient way to brighten your teeth and revitalize
your smile.
Tooth discoloration is a common problem, and many everyday factors contribute to
this, such as:
- Food/Drinks – coffee, soda, tea, wine, berries, soy sauce, tomato sauce, etc.
- Tobacco use – smoking and chewing tobacco
- Age, genetics and tooth trauma
The Convenience of Take-Home Whitening Trays
With take-home whitening trays, you can obtain the smile you’ve always wanted from
the comfort of your own home. Now you can sleep, cook, run errands, and do other
daily activities while you whiten your smile!
- All you have to do is wear customized trays molded from your teeth a few hours each
day.
- Gradually, your teeth will whiten after each session. Once you’re satisfied with
your coloration, you can wear your trays minimally to sustain your whiter smile.
Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville, Haymarket Virginia can give you the brilliant
new smile you deserve.