Over time it is common for teeth to yellow or become discolored as the enamel is regularly stained by common foods and beverages. While changing your diet can help to prevent this kind of discoloration, many patients are looking for a solution to teeth that have already suffered significant enamel staining.
Dr. J.D. Robinette will often recommend professional teeth whitening. Dr. Robinette and his team provide professional teeth whitening services at our office in Hickory, NC. Learn more and call 828-267-0651 to schedule your appointment today!
Teeth Whitening Options Provided by Dr. Robinette
There are several types of teeth whitening treatments available to individuals that are looking to achieve a brighter smile. Dr. Robinette will advise patients on these different options according to their oral health and how effective one particular whitening treatment may be compared to another.
In-Office Bleaching
One of the most common methods used to lift stains from a patient’s tooth enamel is to apply a bleaching agent that typically contains hydrogen peroxide. At-home kits will use a similar strategy, but only professional bleaching can offer higher doses of hydrogen peroxide that are not available over-the-counter.
Bleaching the teeth is also incredibly quick, lasting for approximately one hour. Many individuals will return for multiple treatments over the course of a few weeks in order to achieve optimal results that are able to give patients a smile that is several shades whiter than before.
Whitening Trays and Gels
Teeth whitening trays and gels can often produce effective results that are comparable to those of in-office teeth bleaching procedures. The major drawback to whitening trays is that they are more time-intensive, meaning it will take several weeks before a person’s teeth become noticeably whiter. Once again, whitening trays provided by Dr. Robinette will out-perform over-the-counter options because they have the ability to prescribe a whitening agent that contains higher amounts of hydrogen peroxide.
Whitening trays will often be worn overnight or for a couple of hours each day. Dr. Robinette will custom fit these trays to a patient’s teeth to ensure that when applied, the gel within the tray will be able to reach every part of the tooth, and avoid contact with the gums that can lead to irritation.
Whitening Toothpaste
This option can be beneficial for those that have minimal staining on their teeth, and are also seeking to actively prevent future stains. Whitening toothpastes will not be able to achieve the same results as bleaching or whitening trays, though they do contain mild abrasives that work to remove surface stains.
Whitening Treatments Are Not for Everyone
There are certain situations in which Dr. Robinette will not recommend an individual for the traditional teeth whitening methods mentioned above. These include instances in which the person has:
- Tender gums
- Gum disease
- Very sensitive teeth
- A receding gum line
- Restorative work of the front teeth (crowns, caps, tooth-colored fillings, etc.)
Teeth Whitening Before & After Images
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Scheduling Teeth Whitening Treatment in Hickory
If you want to have a whiter or brighter smile you can ask Dr. Robinette about the whitening procedures offered at our office in Hickory. Call 828-267-0651 to schedule your appointment today!