Teeth Whitening – Mt. Holly, NJ
Brighten Your Smile, Boost Your Confidence
According to recent research, 80% of Americans would like to have whiter teeth. That’s not too surprising considering brilliantly white teeth are certainly noticeable and make a positive impact. In fact, the same research found that a person with a bright smile conveys a message of youth, vitality, confidence, and success. Who wouldn’t want that? If you are interested in lifting stubborn stains, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if you’re a good candidate. You’re also welcome to read on to learn more!
Why Choose Mt. Holly Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Convenient, Effective, and Safe Treatments
- Long-Lasting & Fast Results
- Experienced Cosmetic Dentists
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
The foods and beverages we enjoy are largely to blame for stains and discoloration that develop over time on teeth. That caffeine boost you get from a cup of coffee in the morning may be what you need to get your engine going, but after years, its rich, dark color can accumulate on the enamel of your teeth and in micro-cracks. The result is a smile that begins to look yellowed. The same can be said for tea, cola, tomato sauce, berries, and chocolate.
Other things that can stain and discolor your teeth include:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Injury that causes bleeding inside of a tooth
- Some antibiotics, chemotherapy and radiation
- Aging and genetics
The good news is that professional teeth whitening is almost always an option. So, if you’re unhappy with your smile because your pearly whites are no longer living up to their name, don’t worry – our cosmetic dentists are here to help!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
To give you an impressively white smile, our dentists at Mt. Holly Family Dentistry offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. The good news is – no matter which method you choose – your smile will look white and healthy. Below, you will find a little more information on the differences between the two so you can decide which one is best for you!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
When you choose our take-home teeth whitening kit, we’ll give you custom-fitted mouth trays made from impressions of your teeth. All you need to do is fill the trays with the professional strength whitening gel we give you and simply wear them for the prescribed amount of time that we say. Although full treatment takes about two weeks, you’ll begin to see results right away.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
What if you want results sooner than two weeks? If that’s the case, in-office treatment may be preferable. We’ll take care of every step of the whitening process, allowing you to relax comfortably in the treatment chair while we work. Oftentimes, we can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit, so you’ll walk out of our office with a noticeably whiter smile!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To maintain your new smile after teeth whitening, good oral hygiene is essential. After all, habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently help to remove the substances that could stain your teeth again. Outside of that, do your best to eat light-colored foods, use a straw when drinking coffee, and schedule professional dental cleanings, too.
Important tip: Take-home whitening is also great for touchups weeks or months after you’ve had an in-office whitening treatment!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many people experience anxiety around dental appointments because they’re worried it might hurt, but thankfully, most cosmetic dental procedures aren’t considered painful. Our team utilizes ultra-concentrated solutions that are designed to mitigate potential sensitivity, so you have nothing to worry about. Plus, we’ll examine your mouth before proceeding with your elective treatment to ensure no pre-existing problems, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with the results. This avoids putting bleach over hidden tooth decay or on tender periodontal tissues, which can cause an adverse effect.
With that said, if you already know that you’re prone to developing dental sensitivity, please let our Mt. Holly Family Dentistry team know so that we can adjust your treatment to meet your unique needs.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Seemingly, everyone wants a snowy-white smile, but that doesn’t always mean that teeth whitening is the best way to help reach their goals. Extrinsic stains in your enamel caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to darkly pigmented foods usually respond well to topical treatments.
However, intrinsic spots that soak into or begin in the lower layers of dentin might require a different treatment. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are two popular ways to cover stubborn blemishes to enhance your appearance.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Many stores and pharmacies carry whitening products like toothpaste, strips, and gels. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth investing in professional services with our team.
With that said, it’s worth noting that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of a service is often reflected in its price. You might pay less for over-the-counter solutions, but they often contain diluted bleaching agents that don’t achieve the desired result. Plus, they rely on one-size-fits-all strips or trays that lead to plenty of errors in the application, which can cause sensitivity. Meanwhile, our providers utilize professional-grade gels and design custom-fitted trays for a comfortable treatment that effectively reduces stains.
How Can I Preserve My Brighter Smile?
Professional teeth whitening often lasts anywhere from six months to three years, but it depends significantly on your unique circumstances. You can prevent additional discoloration by:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily strengthens enamel to better resist stains.
- Scheduling follow-ups. You might need occasional repeated treatments to maintain the perfect hue.
- Watching what you eat. Steer clear of deeply toned foods like berries, coffee, tea, and wine.
- Quitting smoking. Cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine and tar, which are known to cause stains as well as contribute to cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer.