Do you want a whiter, brighter smile? Are store-bought whitening toothpaste, gels, and strips not working?
Try teeth whitening with Zoom!®, a safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment. Teeth whitening treatments not only improve the aesthetics of the smile but also help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. When patients receive great results using Zoom!, they are more motivated to maintain their new smiles.
Brushing and flossing, avoiding staining foods and beverages, and scheduling regular dental cleanings can keep the smile fresh and bright. Our dental office can also create custom-made whitening kits for at-home whitening or touchups. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening treatment, contact Williamsburg Dental in Broomall, PA today.
Causes of Discolored Teeth
There are several common causes of tooth discoloration, including:
- Foods and Beverages: Certain foods and beverages, including wine, berries, tea, coffee, and tomatoes contain chromogens. Chromogens are strongly pigmented molecules that attach to the tooth enamel. Sometimes simple brushing and flossing cannot remove these pigments from the teeth.
- Nicotine: Tobacco products that contain nicotine easily yellow the tooth enamel. Smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using other tobacco products can make the teeth appear discolored.
- Dental Injuries: Chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken teeth can darken teeth. Breaks in the tooth enamel expose dentin, the dark underlayer. The best way to treat discoloration from dental injuries is porcelain veneers or dental bonding treatment. Dentin does not react to whitening treatments.
Contact our office and we will help you find the best whitening treatment for your tooth stains. We work with our patients to customize whitening solutions to their smiles.
In-Office Teeth Whitening in Broomall, PA
With Zoom! teeth whitening, our patients can receive a brighter smile in just under one hour. To begin, we use a shade guide to determine the current color of your teeth and find your shade goal. Then, we place a guard to protect your lips, cheek, and tongue. This isolates the teeth.
We gently apply the whitening gel to the teeth. For 15 minutes, we place a special light near the mouth. This light activates the whitening ingredient in the gel. We repeat this process two to three times until we achieve the desired shade.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening in Broomall, PA
For patients who want the convenience of whitening their smile at home, we provide whitening kits. These kits are a more economical alternative to in-office care. To create your custom kits, we need to take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to create lightweight whitening trays.
Once the trays are complete, we will provide you with your trays, whitening gel, and instructions. During treatment, you will apply the gel to the tray and wear them 40 minutes per day for 8 to 10 days. Patients can also touch up their in-office treatment with whitening trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does in-office teeth whitening last?
Professional in-office teeth whitening can last between 6 months and two years. It will really depend on your dietary habits. Drinking and eating staining foods or beverages can discolor teeth faster. Your whitening might fade faster if you’re a coffee lover or a red wine enthusiast. On the other hand, good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods can help prolong the results. Genetics and age can also play a role. Younger patients generally hold onto whitening longer.
Does whitening teeth hurt enamel?
Most dentists consider teeth whitening procedures, including professional in-office treatments, safe for the tooth enamel. The process can cause temporary changes, such as increased enamel roughness. Tooth sensitivity can also be a side effect, but it should be temporary and not a sign of long-term damage. Overusing teeth whitening products can potentially cause long-term damage. Therefore, we recommend you consult a dentist before using teeth whitening products. A dentist will ensure you use them correctly and safely.
How do you reduce teeth sensitivity after whitening?
It’s normal to experience some sensitivity for a couple of days after teeth whitening treatment. However, there are things you can do to help reduce the discomfort. First, you can use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Also, you should use a softer tooth and be gentle while brushing. Avoiding very hot or cold foods and drinks for a couple of days will also help you. Lastly, if the sensitivity sticks around, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can offer personalized advice.
How old do you have to be for teeth whitening?
Generally, pediatric dentists usually recommend that children wait until around the age of 16 for teeth whitening. Why? Well, by this age, most of the permanent teeth are fully erupted. Moreover, whitening teeth at a younger age could lead to increased sensitivity. Waiting until around age 14 can help reduce sensitivity from teeth whitening.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally?
After teeth whitening, you can eat normally. However, most dentists will recommend that you follow a strict diet for 48 hours to avoid certain foods and beverages that could stain your teeth. Spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hot or cold foods can provoke sensitivity. After these 48 hours, you can gradually return to your usual eating habits.
Can you use teeth whitening strips with Invisalign?
Yes, you can use teeth whitening strips with Invisalign, but it’s important to do so carefully. You should only do this under the guidance of a dental professional. Invisalign aligners are not primarily for teeth whitening. Moreover, Invisalign trays fit more snugly than teeth-whitening trays. As a result, one of the risks is that the whitening gel or solution may leak into the mouth instead of remaining on the teeth.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Do you have dull, stained, or yellow teeth? Are you looking for a way to makeover your smile? Call Williamsburg Dental for comprehensive whitening treatment at (610) 347-8302. Feel free to request a dental consultation with our dental team on our website. Let us know if you have any questions about your whitening treatment, and we will be glad to help.