Teeth whitening is a quick and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. At Fuller Dental, we focus on providing patients with complete dental care to give them the smile they desire.
Our highly trained Burlington cosmetic dentists have years of experience helping patients improve their smiles, as well as maintaining the health of their teeth. We offer a full range of cosmetic, restorative, and general dental treatments in our state-of-the-art dental office.
Teeth Whitening in Burlington, NC
Teeth whitening can be one of the quickest and most dramatic cosmetic dental treatments. It has the power to instantly improve the appearance of your smile. Tooth whitening is a safe and affordable dental procedure that can brighten stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The benefits of this cosmetic dentistry procedure include:
Safe Procedure
Our take-home teeth whitening kits will also include custom bleaching trays that fit over your teeth. We make them from dental impressions that we will take in our office. Custom trays will minimize the impact on the gums and soft tissues.
Convenience
Take-home whitening treatments are the most convenient way to achieve professional results on your schedule.
Lasting Results
Maintaining great oral hygiene habits after teeth whitening treatment is important. This will help aid the longevity of your new smile. Your teeth whitening results will last for a long time with proper care.
Professional
Over-the-counter teeth whitening can leave you with an uneven result. Also, it can take months for patients to notice any color change. Visiting Fuller Dental for a custom take-home whitening kit will give you high-quality results. Additionally, you will experience complete and patient-focused dental care in the comfort of our Burlington dental office.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
At Fuller Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments. They will meet your needs and help improve the appearance of your smile. Take-home teeth whitening is a cost-effective solution to brighten your smile. Patients will need to visit our Burlington dental office for your dentist to take an impression of their teeth to make customized clear whitening trays. Your whitening trays will take a few days to complete.
Once completed, patients can wear their whitening tray for 30-60 minutes twice daily. Patients can expect to see results gradually appear within a few weeks.
In-Office Whitening with Zoom™
Along with take-home whitening kits, we’re proud to offer in-office whitening services using the Zoom whitening process. Getting professional whitening in the office often leads to quicker results, making it ideal for upcoming events such as weddings or vacation trips.
Preparation
When you embark on your whitening journey with us, rest assured that your safety is our top priority. Our dental staff takes every precaution to protect your soft tissues from the bleaching gel, starting with a cover over your gums and lips. If you experience any discomfort, our team is ready to assist you.
Bleach Gel Application
Once your mouth is properly protected, your dentist will carefully apply the bleaching gel. The gel used in the Zoom process contains hydrogen peroxide, which works to break down and remove stains on your teeth. Proper application is crucial to ensure a smooth and even finish. That’s why it’s best to trust your teeth whitening to a professional cosmetic dentist.
Zoom Light Activation
With the gel applied, it’s time for the Zoom process to work its magic. We use a specialized light that uses Blue LED technology to activate the bleaching gel and help speed up the process. This light allows the gel to penetrate your enamel faster, often leading to quick results for a smile up to eight shades lighter.
The Zoom whitening process generally takes about an hour to complete. During this time, your dentist will need to reapply the gel and light about two or three times, bleaching your teeth in fifteen-minute intervals. With proper care and oral hygiene, your new, brighter smile could last years after in-office whitening.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is poor dental hygiene. When plaque and tartar build up on the surface of the teeth, it can result in yellow or brown stains that are difficult to remove. Not brushing and flossing regularly can also lead to the accumulation of food particles and bacteria, which can cause discoloration over time.
Another common culprit of tooth discoloration is diet. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, contain pigments that can stain the teeth. Consistently consuming these items can gradually darken the enamel, leading to a dull or yellow appearance.
Smoking is another significant factor in tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can penetrate the enamel of the teeth, causing them to become yellow or brown in color. Smoking also reduces saliva production, making it easier for stains to stick to the teeth and more difficult to remove.
Genetics can also play a role in tooth discoloration. Some people are simply more prone to developing yellow or gray teeth due to their genetic makeup. This can be exacerbated by other factors like diet and lifestyle choices, making it important to take extra care in maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to tooth discoloration. For example, conditions like enamel hypoplasia or fluorosis can result in white spots or streaks on the teeth. Tetracycline, a medication, can also cause discoloration, especially when taken during childhood when the teeth are still developing.
Age is another factor that can affect the color of teeth. As we age, the enamel naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. This can make the teeth appear darker and more discolored over time.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental treatments. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How many teeth whitening treatments do I need for white teeth?
Your teeth whitening treatment results will depend on your discolored teeth and which option you choose. A single in-office teeth whitening treatment can leave your teeth up to 8 shades brighter. Most patients usually only need a single treatment to achieve their desired results. Your dentist can help you choose the best option for your specific smile.
Can teeth whitening damage my teeth?
Too many teeth whitening treatments in a short period can damage your enamel. There is also a risk of tooth damage if you use store-bought whitening treatments incorrectly. A common side effect of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. It will disappear after a few days and not cause long-term damage.
Can I whiten dental restorations like dentures, veneers, or crowns?
You cannot whiten dental restorations with teeth-whitening products like strips and bleaching trays. Professional teeth whitening treatments at the dentist will not work either. If you have an old restoration that has become full-looking, it is best to replace it completely. Replacing it brings more added benefits.
How long do the results of teeth whitening last?
Many factors can change the time your whitening results last. It can be anywhere from six months to three years. Genetics can play a part in how white they stay. Lifestyle habits are a big factor as well. If you smoke or drink coffee regularly, your teeth are more likely to discolor quickly after your whitening treatment.
How long do I wait to eat or drink after professional teeth whitening?
You can eat and drink non-staining items pretty directly after your whitening appointment. However, your consumption is important, particularly for the first 48 hours after whitening. That’s when the pores in your teeth are most open and vulnerable to staining. Avoid drinking tea or coffee as much as possible. Drinking it through a straw can be helpful. We also recommend smoking and other tobacco products.
Is it worth it to whiten my teeth professionally?
Yes, professional whitening comes with many benefits compared to store-bought options. Professional treatment is unique and tailored to your specific needs. It eliminates the unevenness of drugstore options that are “one size fits all”. You’re also less likely to suffer from issues with sensitivity with a professional whitening product.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation
Fuller Dental is committed to providing exceptional dental care and high-quality cosmetic dentistry in Burlington, NC. If you are looking for a way to improve the aesthetic of your smile, visit our Burlington dental office. You can schedule an appointment online or call (336) 290-7401 today.