As we age, so do our smiles. It’s completely normal and natural to experience tooth discoloration at some point in your dental health journey. Common foods and beverages we consume contain staining agents that attach to our teeth and affect the shades of our smiles. Dental Excellence offers teeth whitening solutions in Towson, MD, as part of our cosmetic dental services.
Teeth Whitening in Towson, MD
We provide take-home and in-office whitening. If you want to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we may recommend our take-home kit.
Take-Home Whitening
The at-home professional whitening kit uses custom trays and a bleaching agent. At your appointment, we will make the custom trays from impressions of your teeth so they fit perfectly. Our helpful staff will give you specific instructions on how to use it and how often. We are always available if you have questions.
Zoom!® Office Teeth Whitening
Our Zoom in-office whitening is very popular because it is fast and effective. During a single two hour dental appointment, it can whiten by your teeth by up to eight shades. To begin, we cover your gums to protect them. Next, we brush on the bleaching agent and shine the Zoom!® light on your teeth for about 15 minutes.
We repeat this cycle three times. Afterwards, your teeth will be whiter and brighter. We’ll send you home with a take-home touch-up kit which will help maintain results.
Either teeth whitening option is an excellent, efficient, and cost-effective method. They both will revitalize your smile and restore the youthfulness of your overall appearance. Professional teeth whitening offers patients the ability to obtain a solution that is customized to their smiles. This makes it more effective than over-the-counter options that take a one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry.
Professional Teeth Whitening FAQs
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about this procedure. We invite you to explore answers to frequently asked questions about our professional teeth whitening solutions.
What foods and beverages should I avoid to prevent tooth discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is a common occurrence as we age. To prevent tooth discoloration, we suggest limiting your intake of beverages like sodas, coffee, and tea. These beverages often contain strong staining agents that attach to your dental structures. If you do consume these beverages, consider using a straw to limit their contact with your dental structures. Foods like artificially-colored candies, tomato-based sauces, and red berries contain similar staining agents and should be eaten in moderation.
How often can I have my teeth whitened?
Most people can safely have their teeth whitened about once a year. This helps keep your smile bright without making your teeth too sensitive. If you take good care of your teeth and avoid coffee, tea, soda, or tobacco so you don’t need whitening as often.
Does teeth whitening cause pain and discomfort?
No, the teeth whitening process does not cause any pain or discomfort. However, teeth sensitivity is a common side effect after teeth whitening procedures. There are specific techniques that can help dentists reduce teeth sensitivity, such as choosing a milder whitening agent or reducing the whitening agent’s exposure time.
At what age can I have a teeth whitening treatment?
Most patients can start teeth whitening once all their permanent (adult) teeth have come in, which usually happens between the ages of 12 and 14. We don’t recommend whitening baby teeth because they have thinner enamel. Thin enamel makes the teeth more sensitive and not strong enough to handle whitening products safely.
Younger permanent teeth can whiten very quickly, but they are also more sensitive. Talk to our dentist before starting any whitening treatment for teens
Can teeth whitening fix all types of stains?
Teeth whitening works best on surface stains caused by things like coffee, tea, soda, tobacco, and normal aging. These stains are on the outside of your teeth and can usually be removed with professional whitening treatments.
But whitening doesn’t work as well on deep stains inside the tooth. These are called intrinsic stains and can be caused by certain medications, tooth injuries, or too much fluoride. If you have these types of stains, we may suggest other options like teeth bonding and veneers. Porcelain veneers and tooth bonding can cover one or more teeth that show when you smile.
Do over-the-counter tooth whitening strips work?
Yes, over-the-counter whitening strips can work, but they aren’t as strong as the products used in our dentist’s office. These strips usually contain a lower amount of whitening ingredients, so it may take longer to see results.
Even then, the results may not be as noticeable or long-lasting as professional teeth whitening. Over-the-counter products are also one-size-fits-all and can lead to uneven whitening.
What should I do if I have sensitive teeth after whitening?
It’s common to have sensitive teeth after a whitening treatment, but the feeling usually goes away after a few days. If your teeth feel sensitive, you can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This type of toothpaste can help calm your tooth’s nerves. Also avoid hot or cold foods. Ice water, hot coffee, or ice cream can make sensitivity feel worse.
If the sensitivity doesn’t go away after a few days, talk to your dentist. They may be able to adjust your treatment or give you other tips to help protect your teeth.
How many teeth whitening sessions will I need?
The number of teeth whitening sessions you’ll need depends on your teeth and your lifestyle. Some people may only need one or two sessions to get the results they want, while others may need a few more.
If your teeth are older or have been exposed to staining foods and drinks for many years, it may take more time to remove the stains. Smoking or using tobacco can also cause deep stains that are harder to whiten, so people with these habits may need extra treatments to get a bright smile.
Get Your Dream Smile in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are your trusted cosmetic dentists in Towson, MD. Together, they provide comprehensive cosmetic dentistry solutions to our patients including teeth whitening solutions. Perfect for weddings, special occasions, or reunions, our teeth whitening services can remove years of stains and residues from your teeth in just one appointment. Schedule your teeth whitening appointment today.