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 restore your smile’s shine.
Dr. Stacey Hall is a Dawson-trained dentist that has provided cosmetic dentistry to Williamsburg patients since 2002. She’ll meet with you to discuss your goals and find the best cosmetic treatment options for your smile. Together, you’ll devise a whitening plan to help you feel more confident and remove years from your smile. Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your appearance and self-esteem.
At-Home Whitening 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 bed.
In the morning, remove the trays 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. For the best results, most patients use the trays about every two weeks. 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.
Is Professional Whitening Worth the Cost?
Store-bought strips, gels, and toothpastes seem convenient and budget-friendly, but professional whitening delivers far better results. Here’s why.
Stronger ingredients
In-office and dentist-supervised whitening systems use much higher concentrations of bleaching agents than anything available over the counter. That means noticeable results after one in-office treatment and faster improvements with take-home trays. The professional-grade gels penetrate deeper into the enamel, break down stains more effectively, and last significantly longer.
Better value over time
Professional whitening costs more upfront, but the results last longer, which means fewer re-treatments. Many dental offices provide touch-up kits to maintain your shade. Getting comparable results from drugstore products would require multiple kits, which ends up costing more.
Custom fit
Over-the-counter products use a one-size-fits-all approach. Poorly fitted strips and trays allow gel to contact your gums, which causes irritation and uneven results. Professional trays are made from impressions of your teeth, so the gel reaches every surface evenly and stays off your gums.
Safer Treatment
Because store-bought products are weaker, some users overuse them to get faster results, which leads to enamel erosion and heightened sensitivity. In our office, Dr. Hall evaluates your teeth and gums before whitening to confirm it’s appropriate for you. If you have cavities or thin enamel, she’ll recommend a safer alternative.
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, suppose your teeth are stained because of a genetic condition, a health issue, or a medication like tetracycline. In that case, 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 doesn’t work for you, we have other cosmetic treatments that can help with tooth discoloration and give lasting results. Some of these options include:
Teeth Whitening FAQs
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?
A whiter smile boosts your confidence and makes you feel younger, which helps in both personal and professional settings. Many patients also find that whitening motivates them to take better care of their teeth. Once you’ve invested in your smile, brushing, flossing, and keeping your checkups becomes easier to stick with.
Is it normal for my teeth to be sensitive after whitening treatment?
It’s common for teeth to be a little sensitive after whitening, but this usually disappears soon. Our Opalescence Go whitening system is gentler than many other whitening products, so sensitivity is often mild. If your teeth become sensitive, you can use a soothing gel or toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help. 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 I get my teeth whitened if I have dental work like crowns or veneers?
Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. It won’t change the color of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If you have visible dental work, Dr. Hall will discuss this during your consultation. In some cases, patients choose to whiten their natural teeth first, then replace old dental work to match the new, brighter shade. If you’re considering both whitening and cosmetic dental work, we can create a complete treatment plan for you.
Can certain foods or habits affect how long my teeth stay white?
Yes. Coffee, soda, red wine, and dark berries contain pigments that stick to your enamel and dull your whitening results. Rinsing with water after consuming them helps.
Smoking and tobacco products are major causes of yellowing and can undo your results quickly. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots helps scrub away surface stains and boosts saliva, which protects your teeth from acids.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Professional teeth whitening results 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 significantly affect how long your teeth stay white. For example, coffee, red wine, and smoking can shorten the lifespan of your whitening results.
Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for cleanings can keep your teeth white for longer. Touch-up treatments and at-home kits can also help extend your results.
Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening
Do you have stubborn tooth stains? Schedule a visit with Dr. Hall to discuss your cosmetic needs. You can also call the Williamsburg Center for Dental Health at 757-216-9873. Dr. Hall will check your teeth and help you choose the best treatment to achieve your desired bright smile.