Tooth discoloration is a common dental concern that many patients have. Tooth discoloration is caused by common foods and beverages leaving staining agents on your teeth. When allowed to remain on your dental structures, the staining agents harden against your teeth and cause discoloration. Gwaltney Dental has cosmetic dentistry solutions to whiten and brighten your smile if you have yellowed, discolored teeth.
Our office offers Zoom! Teeth Whitening to combat these staining agents, remove them from your teeth, and leave you with a beautiful and healthy smile. Learn more about our teeth whitening services below.
Teeth Whitening in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney are experienced in cosmetic dentistry in Suffolk, VA. They have helped many patients whiten and brighten their smiles using Zoom! Teeth Whitening solutions.
Our Zoom! In-office Teeth Whitening System uses an ultraviolet light that activates the Zoom! Whitening gel. As we layer the gel evenly over your dental structures, the light helps gently break down stains on your teeth. Completed in about an hour, patients can leave our office with noticeably whiter teeth.
Over-the-counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options that you may find in grocery stores. While these options may work for some people, these products take a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. Because the whitening products are not designed specifically for you, you may experience blotchy and uneven results. Additionally, for patients who experience dental sensitivity, these products may be too potent for you and cause discomfort.
Choosing professional teeth whitening services makes you more likely to receive your desired end results. Our doctors will monitor you throughout your appointment to ensure the gel evenly whitens your dental structures. We can even tailor the potency of the gel for patients who experience sensitivity.
Instead of going through the hassle and risk of applying whitening products yourself, we recommend visiting our office for Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatment. All you have to do is sit back and relax while we whiten and brighten your teeth.
Alternative Teeth Whitening Treatments
Unfortunately, some patients have stains or discoloration on their teeth that cannot be treated with professional teeth whitening. Gwaltney Dental in Suffolk, VA also offers a few more permanent solutions to whiten teeth. Porcelain veneers are very popular because they will create a perfectly uniform smile and brighten it up. This cosmetic dentistry treatment is permanent, however.
We also offer dental bonding to whiten teeth. This treatment is not permanent. However, it is very affordable and can be completed quickly. If you find the stains on your teeth are resistant to a teeth whitening treatment, discuss these alternative options with your dentist.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Learn more about it by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What should you not do when whitening your teeth?
After teeth whitening, patients should avoid drinks that are deeply or artificially colored. These include coffee, tea, tomato juice, fruit juice, soda, and soy sauce. Patients should also avoid foods such as ketchup, chocolate, and candies.
Do teeth stain more easily after whitening?
It’s a common misconception that teeth whitening will leave your teeth more vulnerable to stains. You should avoid drinks and foods with dark pigments, like coffee and berries, for a few days after teeth whitening to let the treatment settle. But your teeth are no more susceptible to stains after treatment than before.
How do I prepare my teeth for whitening?
Since eating softens enamel, you should try to eat at least 30 minutes before your appointment begins and brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before coming in. Before undergoing an in-office whitening treatment, it’s important to discuss and be aware of any dental restorations, like crowns or veneers.
How long do whitened teeth stay white?
The benefits of tooth whitening might last anywhere from 6 months to 2-3 years. From person to person, its effect varies. Smoking is one of the things that will quickly discolor your teeth and make the effects of whitening go away.
How long after whitening can I eat?
Foods that could discolor your teeth again or aggravate sensitive teeth should be avoided after teeth whitening. You can resume a regular, healthy diet after about 24 to 72 hours.
How long after teeth whitening does sensitivity last?
After teeth whitening therapy, tooth sensitivity often only lasts a few days. The first day or so will be the most severe. After that, it will gradually become better.
Request a Dental Exam Today
If you want to learn more about our professional teeth whitening services, please schedule a consultation with our doctors. Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your smile to determine whether these products suit you. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile!