Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier offer teeth whitening in Towson, MD. Teeth whitening is often the last step of a complete smile makeover. Cosmetic dental care completes patients’ journeys in oral health and improves the aesthetics of their smiles. Patients who receive teeth whitening treatment are often more motivated to maintain their whiter teeth.
Brightening your smile can motivate you to take extra care in your oral health routine and schedule dental appointments. Our routine examinations and dental cleanings are preventative treatments against common dental problems. Teeth whitening treatment is often a motivating factor in oral health maintenance.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Stained and yellow teeth are a common occurrence. Many things can cause staining, but the most common causes of discolored teeth include:
- Foods and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries contain chromogens, which are dark pigments that can stain your tooth enamel.
- Tobacco: Nicotine and tar, common ingredients in cigarettes and other tobacco products, turn teeth yellow and stain the teeth.
- Age: As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel erodes over time. The dark under-layer beneath the enamel, dentin, shows through and makes teeth appear discolored.
- Medication: Antipsychotics, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, and other prescription drugs can discolor teeth as a side effect.
- Trauma: Sustaining a mouth injury and a damaged tooth can cause intrinsic staining. Intrinsic stains affect the inside of the tooth.
- Fluoride: An overexposure to fluoride can discolor the tooth enamel over time and cause white spots on your teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Our dentists can use vital and non-vital teeth whitening treatments on your teeth. We offer both of these treatment options to our patients for their convenience. The dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth before your in-office whitening treatment for the best possible results. The process from beginning to end will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
Vital Whitening
Vital whitening is a teeth whitening treatment a dentist performs on normal healthy teeth. We offer an in-office bleaching treatment that is safer and more effective than store-bought whitening treatments or products.
Our dentist will perform the in-office teeth whitening procedure safely at our office. After covering up your teeth and gums for protection, we will apply the bleaching gel to your teeth. Then our dentist will activate the bleaching agent with laser light. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, and patients will see immediate results.
We can repeat this process over half an hour or up to 90 minutes. Whitening requires multiple sessions, and the length of your treatment depends on the staining of your teeth. In-office whitening treatment can brighten the shade of your tooth enamel by multiple shades.
Non-Vital Whitening
Dentists use non-vital whitening procedures on teeth with dead nerves. This means that the tooth has undergone root canal therapy and no longer has nerves in the middle chamber. To whiten these teeth, we can place bleaching gel inside the tooth and cover it with a temporary filling.
We may repeat this process several times for the best results. However, not all stains respond well to teeth whitening products. If this is the case for your teeth, we may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers, which cover the tooth enamel to brighten it.
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic treatment that can fix minor chips as well as dull, yellow, or stained teeth. Our dentist can whiten teeth that do not respond to professional teeth bleaching methods using dental bonding.
The dental bonding procedure involves the dentist applying a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth. Your dentist will shape it by hand and cure the compound using a special light. By using a lighter-color resin, this will make the tooth appear whiter. To learn more about our tooth bonding process, visit Teeth bonding.
A porcelain veneer is a thin, custom-made shell that covers stains and discolorations. Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth and a dental lab will create the veneer to fit perfectly over your teeth. The dentist attaches each veneer to the front surface of the tooth, but not before shaving a little bit of tooth enamel off.
We can customize each veneers to create the desired shape and shade. This will create a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution that will brighten your smile. To learn more about the porcelain veneer process, visit Porcelain veneers.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn everything you need to know about our professional teeth whitening procedure. Continue reading through our frequently-asked questions section to learn more. If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our helpful office staff.
How long does teeth whitening last?
You can expect professional in-office teeth whitening results to last from six months to two years. At-home whitening kits may not offer the same level of white as professional services and take longer to see results. However, you can use them regularly after in-office whitening to maintain the final results even longer.
Can I get teeth whitening with cavities?
You should have your cavities filled before undergoing professional teeth bleaching services. A dentist will not preform a teeth whitening procedure on unaddressed cavities. During an evaluation with our team, we will determine if you have cavities. Then we will apply tooth fillings before whitening your teeth.
How do I prepare for teeth whitening?
You will not need to do anything at home before your teeth whitening appointment. At your first visit, the dentist will perform a dental examination. The dental hygienists will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth before the whitening process begins. The hygienist will remove all your plaque and tartar to ensure the whitening product works and give you the best possible results.
Will a teeth whitening treatment affect dental prosthetics?
In-office power bleaching can remove deep stains from within natural teeth enamel. In most cases, our patients will find their teeth up to eight shades whiter after a single treatment session. However, the whitening process will not affect teeth with dental restorations and prosthetics. The dentist can replace restorations for those serious about maintaining their whiter smile.
What should I avoid after teeth whitening?
You should avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth, including red wine, coffee, tea, and sodas with a dark color. Avoiding these foods and beverages will help maintain the whitening results. Daily brushing and flossing can also keep your teeth looking their best. Using in-home whitening products regularly will also keep your mouth brilliant and beautiful!
Can I get the same professional results if I whiten my teeth at home?
Professional teeth whitening solutions give you the best results. However, you can take steps at home to gently brighten your teeth and prevent stains from developing. First, you can use a whitening toothpaste that contains gentle whitening agents. The paste will gradually whiten your teeth over time.
Second, try over-the-counter whitening strips or trays that contain peroxide to bleach your teeth. Follow their instructions carefully for best results and to prevent damage. Next, you can create a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with it a few times a week to help whiten your teeth.
Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar or swishing coconut oil in your mouth can help. Do this for a few minutes each day to help remove bacteria and whiten your teeth. Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
Lastly, eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables! Foods like apples, carrots, and celery can help naturally scrub and clean your teeth, remove surface stains, and is good for your overall health.
Is professional teeth whitening safe and effective?
Professional teeth whitening is safer and more effective than over-the-counter whitening treatments. You will receive treatment under the supervision of a dentist or dental professional. They will take the appropriate steps to make sure they protect your gums while applying the bleaching agent. This minimizes the risks of developing side effects, like tooth sensitivity.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients feel a little sensitivity after whitening, but it usually goes away in a few days. Your dentist can use a special gel to help extra sensitive teeth, or recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You can also avoid really hot or cold drinks right after whitening to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have braces?
If you have regular braces with brackets, it’s best to wait until they come off. Whitening while wearing braces can leave uneven spots where the brackets were. If you really want to brighten your smile, ask your dentist about safe options until your braces are removed.
How often can I get my teeth professionally whitened?
Most patients can get a professional whitening every six months to a year. The frequency will depend on how well they take care of their teeth. If you notice stains coming back sooner, you can do touch-ups with at-home products. Just be careful not to overdo it because too much whitening can make your teeth sensitive.
Is teeth whitening safe for teens?
Whitening is usually safe for older teens, but most dentists recommend waiting until all their adult teeth are fully in. Younger teeth can be more sensitive, so it’s a good idea to check with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment. If a teen wants a whiter smile, a dentist can suggest the safest way to do it.
Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?
Most insurance plans don’t cover whitening because it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. But don’t worry, many dental offices offer payment plans or financing to make it more affordable. If you’re curious about costs, just ask, and we’ll help you figure out your options!
Brighten yellowed, stained, and discolored teeth at Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson. Call 410-324-2294 for cosmetic whitening treatments today. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier on our website.