Teeth Whitening Harrisonburg
Whiter Teeth, Brighter Smile
Most adults will notice their smiles have lost their youthful sparkle over the years, and it makes sense when you consider all the things your teeth come in contact with on a given day. That first cup of coffee to greet the day, a mid-morning snack of berries (or chocolate), and a glass of red wine with spaghetti dinner—you get the picture. Fortunately, there is something to be done about dark, discolored, and/or stained teeth. Teeth whitening in Harrisonburg can provide the help you need! If you are interested in revealing your most attractive smile with professional teeth whitening, we can’t wait to get started! You are invited to request an appointment at Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most older teens and adults with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from teeth whitening. Patients with extreme tooth sensitivity, however, should tell us about it so that we can make sure you feel comfortable after treatment ends.
Note that certain kinds of discoloration do not respond to teeth whitening, such as when teeth darken as a side effect from medications. In this case, we may recommend another procedure like veneers to cover your teeth more effectively. Finding the right treatment for you is why you need to have a consultation with us!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Although many teeth whitening brands exist in dentistry, many of them contain the same active ingredient and work similarly. For most, teeth whitening solutions (even those at the store) have either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, a bleach that removes stains from the enamel. The difference is that professional-grade whitening bas a significantly higher concentration, meaning it can brighten by more shades than commercial whitening products.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Some patients like the idea of handling whitening treatment on their own at home. If you fit into this group, you can enjoy this convenience with powerful professional kits we supply. For about 30 minutes per day, you’ll wear custom trays that evenly distribute the whitening solution. Although you may start to see your teeth get brighter after a few days, continue treatment until you reach a full two weeks as instructed.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have chosen Opalescence Boost System for our in-office treatment because we have continually seen the amazing change it can make. This fast-acting gel only takes about an hour to achieve the best results, and you sit back while we and the Opalescence Boost System do the work for you!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
What you eat and drink right after whitening will make a big difference in how bright your smile stays. Avoid black coffee, tea, sodas, and highly pigmented foods like berries, chocolate, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and similar items that could be easily absorbed right after the whitening treatment. This susceptibility to staining is why take-home treatments are recommended to be performed at night, after you are finished eating and drinking for the day.
Because you’ll need to eat and drink at some point, daily brushing and flossing become even more important to sustain your whitened teeth. In addition, you must continue to come to our office regularly for checkups and cleanings. Not only can we remove superficial stains, but we can let you know when it’s time to touch up the color of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are several noteworthy differences between store-bought kits and our professional whitening treatments, starting with the fact that our cosmetic dentist in Harrisonburg makes sure your teeth and gums are healthy first. We also use custom trays that evenly distribute the brightening gel (instead of one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted whitening agents), and we consider important factors, like if you have veneers or dental crowns. Simply put, with us, the smile makeover process is highly customized and achieved with only the best products, ensuring you get the gorgeous results you deserve each and every time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Naturally, one of the biggest factors in the length of your treatment is whether you choose an in-office treatment or our professional teeth whitening kits. After all, the former can lift stubborn stains in just an hour, while the latter can take up to two weeks to deliver the same results. If you need preliminary care, like gum disease treatment, then you also need to account for the time needed to restore your oral health. Simply put, if you want a bright, beautiful smile by a certain date, make sure to let us know so we can do everything we can to accommodate that!
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
If your dental crown no longer matches your surrounding teeth, you might be wondering if it’s possible to have it whitened. Unfortunately, the answer is “no” because they are crafted from artificial materials like porcelain, not enamel. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other ways to create the seamless look you desire! We recommend scheduling a consultation with us if you find yourself in this position so we can learn more about your smile goals, review your dental history, and determine the best way to give you the results you desire.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
We don’t recommend drinking coffee immediately following your teeth whitening treatment since that can result in stubborn stains quickly resurfacing. Don’t worry though – this isn’t indefinite. When you are given the green light to start enjoying this caffeinated beverage again, do your best to always use a straw so the liquid doesn’t come in contact with your teeth. It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing your mouth with clean water when you’re done and brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after that.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, the answer is “no.” The best way to make your results last is by committing to good oral hygiene habits, like brushing consistently and coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Outside of that, make sure to use a straw when drinking coffee, limit your intake of dark-colored foods (i.e., berries, chocolate, tomato sauce), and avoid habits that could cause stubborn stains to resurface, like smoking.