TEETH WHITENING in WINCHESTER, VA

Your teeth perform many important jobs. One of these jobs is helping you achieve a beautiful, confident smile. When your teeth are dull and discolored, the appearance and impact of your smile are diminished. You may also become self-conscious and try to hide your smile from others. At Shenandoah Family Dentistry – Winchester, we can restore your luminous smile with teeth whitening.

Causes Of Dull, Discolored Teeth

The enamel of your teeth is naturally white in color. However, many factors can contribute to dulling and discoloration.

  • Foods and beverages. Certain types of things you consume, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and curries, all have high concentrations of dark pigments that can stick to the surfaces of your teeth.
  • Tobacco products. These products contain numerous harmful chemicals. The two substances responsible for staining are tar and nicotine.
  • Certain types of medications.

 

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, designed to eliminate stains on your teeth and restore your enamel to a bright white color. There are two ways to professionally whiten your teeth: in our office with chairside whitening or at home with take-home trays.

WHITENING IN AN HOUR IN OUR OFFICE

Chairside whitening is an in-office procedure that takes about an hour and requires only one visit to our dental office. Before we begin your whitening treatment, your teeth are first cleaned. Next, a lip retractor is placed in your mouth to keep your lips away from your teeth and keep your mouth open. The whitening gel is applied to your teeth, and a specialized light is shone over your mouth. The active ingredient in the whitening gel breaks down, forming tiny oxygen bubbles that enter your enamel and dentin, sticking to stains and eliminating them. The light acts as an enhancer. Chairside whitening can whiten your teeth several shades in just one treatment, with results noticeable right away.

WHITENING AT HOME

If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, our dentists can provide you with take-home trays. We custom-create trays specifically for your mouth. You are provided with the trays, the whitening gel, and the instructions for use. Trays are designed to hold the gel against your teeth twice a day for several hours or overnight while you are sleeping. Treatment can last 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the condition of your teeth and your goals. Results typically begin to appear within a few days.

WHY NOT JUST USE THE OVER THE COUNTER WHITENERS?

You may have seen a plethora of over-the-counter whitening products available at reasonable prices. These products all claim amazing results in a short period of time. However, these products contain low levels of bleaching agents. It can take numerous treatments before you see even minor results. If you only have minor surface stains, these products may be helpful, but if you are looking for more drastic results, professional whitening is a much more effective option.

IS WHITENING PERMANENT?

While whitening provides amazing results, it is not a permanent solution. The same factors that caused your discoloration in the first place can cause new discoloration. Taking care to avoid new stains can help you to maintain your results longer. Tips for maintaining your new smile include:

• Limiting staining foods and beverages.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Drinking dark beverages through a straw.
• Brushing and flossing daily.
• Having periodic touchups.

If you are interested in learning more about teeth whitening, call Shenandoah Family Dentistry – Winchester today at 540-773-0234 to schedule your consultation.

cosmetic