Custom Treatment Plans for a Whiter Smile
Over time, our teeth naturally get stained and lose their bright white color. Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can cause discoloration. As we age, the enamel on our teeth can also darken, giving our smile a yellowish or dull gray look. At the Williamsburg Center for Dental Health, we offer many safe, effective, and budget-friendly teeth whitening options to bring back the shine to your smile.
We create a custom teeth whitening plan just for you, based on your needs, budget, and how quickly you want results. Whitening your teeth with a dentist’s care gives you better and longer-lasting results compared to store-bought products. Plus, it’s the safest way to brighten your smile.
Dr. Stacey Hall will sit down with you to discuss your goals and find the best cosmetic treatment options for your smile. Together, you’ll come up with a whitening plan to help you feel more confident and take years off your smile. Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem.
At-home Instructions
Dr. Stacey Hall offers the Opalescence Go™ Professional Teeth Whitening system. Opalescence Go™ is for patients who prefer to whiten their teeth at home with the guidance of a dentist.
To start the process, brush your teeth and rinse well. Then, place a small dot of bleaching gel in the front part of the custom-fitted tray and spread the gel with the syringe tip. Next, put the tray on your teeth and gently press it to spread the gel.
Wipe away any extra gel from your gums and spit out any excess. We recommend wearing the tray overnight, so it’s best to put it in before you go to bed.
In the morning, take the trays out and wipe away any remaining gel with a tissue. Clean the trays with a toothbrush and water (without toothpaste). Store the trays in their case for the next use. Most patients use the trays about every two weeks for the best results. After the first treatment, use Opalescence Go™ one to two nights each month to maintain your bright smile.
The time it takes to whiten your teeth can vary from person to person. Most people start to see results after using the whitening trays for two to three weeks. Yellow and brown stains tend to lighten faster than blue or gray stains.
At the Williamsburg Center for Dental Health, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to learn more about our teeth whitening options and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hall.
Are You a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening works well for most people. However, certain types of stains don’t respond to whitening products. For example, if your teeth are stained because of a genetic condition, a health issue, or medication like tetracycline, you might not see the results you want from traditional whitening. But don’t worry—Dr. Hall offers other options to help brighten your smile.
If traditional whitening won’t work for you, we have other cosmetic treatments that can help with tooth discoloration and give you lasting results. Some of these options include:
Teeth Whitening: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about teeth whitening in Williamsburg, VA? Here are answers to some common questions we get at our office.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment because it offers many benefits. One of the main perks is that it brightens your smile, which can boost your confidence. A whiter smile often makes you feel younger and more attractive, which can help you in both personal and professional settings.
Another benefit is that whitening your teeth can motivate you to take better care of your oral health. People who invest in teeth whitening may start brushing and flossing more regularly and keep up with dental check-ups. This focus on better oral care helps keep your teeth healthy in the long run.
Teeth whitening treatments also work quickly. Whether you choose professional whitening at the dentist or an at-home kit, you can see noticeable results in just a short time. Whitening your teeth can also make you think about the habits that cause stains, such as drinking coffee or smoking, and may encourage you to make healthier choices.
Overall, teeth whitening not only improves how your smile looks but also boosts your confidence and helps you take better care of your teeth.
Is it Normal for My Teeth to be Sensitive After Treatment?
It’s common for teeth to be a little sensitive after whitening, but this usually goes away soon. The Opalescence Go whitening system we use is gentler than many other whitening products, so sensitivity is often mild. If your teeth do become sensitive, you can use a soothing gel or toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to help. Typically, you’ll see noticeable changes in your smile within four to six weeks.
Can I Whiten My Teeth if I Have Gum Disease?
You can whiten your teeth if you have gum disease, but it might make your teeth more sensitive, especially if your roots are exposed. Using a sensitive-teeth toothpaste and a nighttime fluoride rinse can help reduce sensitivity.
However, we strongly recommend treating any gum disease or infection before starting teeth whitening. Whitening products can irritate sensitive gums and make existing problems worse. That’s why it’s best to focus on keeping your gums healthy first. A healthy mouth is the foundation for long-lasting whitening results.
Can Certain Foods or Habits Affect How Long My Teeth Stay White?
Yes, some foods and habits can cause your teeth to become discolored over time, even after whitening. Drinks like coffee, soda, red wine, and foods like dark berries can stain your teeth. These items have pigments that stick to your enamel and can dull the effects of your whitening treatment. It helps to limit these foods or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to reduce the chance of staining.
Smoking and tobacco products are also major causes of yellowing teeth. The tar and nicotine in these products can undo whitening results quickly and harm your overall oral health.
On the other hand, eating crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots can help keep your teeth white. Their texture helps scrub away surface stains, and they also boost saliva, which protects your teeth from acids.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is another key to keeping your teeth white. Brush twice a day with a gentle toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings also keep your teeth bright and clean.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your habits. Treatments done in a dental office usually last longer than store-bought whitening kits. The foods and drinks you consume, and how well you care for your teeth, also play a big role in how long your teeth stay white. For example, coffee, red wine, and smoking can shorten the lifespan of your whitening results.
By brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for cleanings, you can keep your teeth white for longer. Touch-up treatments and at-home kits can also help extend your results.
Schedule a visit to Change Your Smile with Teeth Whitening
Schedule a visit with Dr. Hall to discuss your cosmetic needs. Dr. Hall will check your teeth and help you choose the best treatment to achieve the bright smile you want.