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Teeth Whitening

Discolored teeth can add years to the appearance of your smile, leaving it looking dull. Our team of doctors provides dentist-supervised, take-home teeth whitening solutions at their practice that can renew your smile and your confidence. This affordable treatment provides high-quality, long-lasting results that will keep your teeth brighter, whiter, and beautiful for many smiles to come. If you are interested in our teeth whitening treatment, please contact us today.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

We use only the best-quality solution for the take-home whitening kits. With entirely customizable trays and whitening gel that is high in concentration and effectiveness, our dentists can provide outstanding results. In-office treatment can be time-consuming and produce short-lived results. Without using potentially damaging bleaching lights, the take-home kit is non-invasive, does not incite tooth sensitivity, and improves your results.

The popularity of teeth whitening treatments has increased dramatically in the last few years. Over-the-counter options are more available and cheaper than ever, but it is important to understand the value of a professionally monitored treatment. Our team of doctors has overseen the use of teeth whitening on hundreds of patients, and understands the power of teeth bleaching at an expert level. For a bright white smile you can be proud to share, contact the Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry team.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening works wonders on its own, but also provides a spectacular finishing touch to other cosmetic dentistry services. If you are in generally good oral and overall health, you are probably a candidate for teeth whitening. However, as with any of our services, we will spend ample time discussing your dental condition, your treatment options, and your expectations before beginning treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening, your initial exam/consultation is a great time to address them.

Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening services like the at-home kits available from our practice often hold a number of advantages when compared with over-the-counter options you can find at the corner store. For instance: professional solutions contain whitening ingredients that are more powerful than those you can get from whitening kits at your local supermarket or drugstore. With a professional teeth whitening kit, the solution is apt to produce more noticeable reduction of stains and discoloration because of the higher percentage of active ingredients. These procedures can be significantly more effective than over-the-counter remedies such as toothpastes and whitening strips, or “natural” solutions like charcoal teeth whitening (which can be abrasive on the tooth enamel and may even create more dental problems), or coconut oil teeth whitening.

In addition, our whitening trays are customized for each patient, and do not involve “one-size-fits-all” whitening appliances that may not provide a very comfortable fit on the teeth. Perhaps most importantly, professional whitening treatments are overseen by our experienced cosmetic dentists. They can carefully monitor your treatment to ensure the whitening agents are effectively brightening your smile and helping you meet your goals!

Understanding the Teeth Whitening Procedure

Because our office provides at-home teeth whitening treatments, much of the procedure will occur in the comfort of your own home. During your first appointment, your cosmetic dentist will make a mold of your teeth from which your personalized trays will be fabricated. Once the trays have been made, we will invite you back to walk you through the process. When you are ready to brighten your smile, you will load the trays with whitening solution as directed. The whitening trays are usually worn for under an hour before you remove them to rinse any excess solution out of your mouth. The length of treatment is dependent on your individual case, but you will begin to see results after a few applications and your smile will continue to improve over time.

You will have regular checkups with your dentist to assess your progress and address any tooth sensitivity. In just a matter of weeks, your smile will be looking better than ever.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

By strictly adhering to the whitening instructions our office will provide, the results should last for several months. It’s important to minimize intake of teeth-staining beverages and other habits that may increase tooth discoloration after the treatment. With occasional follow-up procedures, many individuals are able to maintain results well into the future.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The total cost of teeth whitening will ultimately depend on the unique factors involved with the individual treatment plan. Since the at-home whitening kits are customized for each patient, the price of teeth whitening is not the same for everyone. Some of the components that will determine the final cost include the severity of stains and discoloration, the level of whitening necessary to obtain optimal results, the duration of treatment, and other factors. Once your treatment program is developed during the initial consultation, we will produce a total cost estimate for the procedure and go over it with you. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our accepted payment methods, which include dental financing options such as CareCredit®. This reputable healthcare financing agency offers qualified applicants a variety of low- to no-interest payment plans that can help bring teeth whitening into your budget.

Additional Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors. Common external causes include staining from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods. Internal discoloration can result from aging, trauma, medications, excessive fluoride, or conditions affecting enamel and dentin. Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup can also dull a tooth’s natural color. Regular dental cleanings and avoiding stain-causing habits can help maintain a bright smile.

Can all types of tooth stains be whitened?

Not all types of tooth stains respond the same way to whitening treatments. Surface stains from foods, drinks, or tobacco usually lighten well with professional whitening. However, intrinsic stains, such as those caused by the natural aging process, dental trauma, certain medications, or excessive fluoride, are deeper and may not improve significantly with whitening alone. In such cases, cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns may provide better results. Our dentists can evaluate your type of discoloration and recommend the most effective solution for a more uniform, whiter smile.

Can I whiten crowns or veneers?

Dental crowns and porcelain veneers generally cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. These restorations are often made from materials that do not respond to bleaching agents. If your natural teeth become whiter after whitening treatment, your crown or veneer may no longer match in color. In that case, our dentists can adjust your treatment plan or replace the restoration to blend with your new shade. For the best results, whitening should be done before getting crowns or veneers.

What foods or drinks should I avoid after whitening?

After whitening, your teeth are more porous and can easily absorb stains. For the first 48 hours, it’s best to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Acidic foods like citrus and vinegar-based dressings should also be limited, as they can increase sensitivity. Instead, opt for light-colored foods such as chicken, rice, potatoes, and milk. Additionally, refrain from smoking or using tobacco products to maintain your results longer.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

Your smile is one of the most expressive elements of your face, and it is important to make it look its very best. To learn more about what teeth whitening can do for you, contact our office today.