Teeth Whitening – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Reveal a Bright, Beautiful Smile
The outer layer of the tooth is called enamel, which is semi-translucent, crystalline, and porcelain-like. Over time, it can wear away, exposing the yellow dentin underneath. Although this is normal, our team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry understands that it can make smiling confidently difficult. After all, teeth are often the first thing that captures someone's attention.
That’s where professional teeth whitening comes in! With in-office and take-home treatments, we can lift stubborn stains, revealing a bright, beautiful smile. If you’d like to learn more about this cosmetic dentistry treatment, you can read on or give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Top-Rated Dental Office in the Area
- In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Treatments
- Flexible Financing Available with CareCredit
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
With teeth, there are two different types of staining:
- Intrinsic stains: These stains form on the inside of the teeth. They can occur from trauma, tetracycline staining, aging, and excessive ingestion of fluoride. While these stains in the past were considered permanent, now whitening can make an impact.
- Extrinsic stains: These are stains that are on the outer layers of the tooth. They can occur from drinking certain beverages, tobacco use, and routine wear and tear. Fortunately, the ones that are left behind even after brushing can often be removed with whitening treatments.
During your consultation, we will pinpoint what’s causing the discoloration, how severe it is, and if professional teeth whitening is the ideal solution. If the answer is “yes,” then we will move on to the next step: helping you decide if you’d prefer an in-office or take-home treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At our office, we’re proud to offer two types of teeth whitening in Ponte Vedra Beach: in-office and take-home. Below, you will find a little more information on each. However, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth on your own schedule and from the comfort of your own home, then consider White & Brite™! It’s the first at-home tooth whitening system that is available in 10%, 16%, 22% and 30% carbamide peroxide strength kits. Deluxe Kits, Express Kits, Touch-Up Twin Packs in various strengths, and single syringe packages in 30% strength also offer a wide array of professional options for any patient's tooth whitening needs. All strengths have a pleasant mint flavor as well.
If we decide together that this is the best option for you, then we will have custom trays made. All you need to do is place a small amount of the whitening gel inside the tray for a small period of time per day. While results can often be observed after just one use, it generally takes one to two weeks to see the full results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Opalescence Boost is a terrific system that allows patients to obtain whiter teeth in one hour. To accomplish this, the 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is applied evenly by your dentist. No bright and hot light is required because Opalescence Boost utilizes chemical activation.
While for most patients this can be the ideal procedure, some patients may benefit from a take-home system. Patients with hypersensitivity, for example, may benefit more from a system that delivers the bleaching agent at a lower dose over a longer period. Rest assured, we’ll be here to help you decide whether an in-office or take-home treatment is best for you.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The lifespan of your brighter smile truly depends on how well you take care of your teeth after treatment. In most cases, results can last six months or more. However, if you continue to consume dark-colored foods and beverages, smoke, and practice other harmful habits (i.e., nail-biting, chewing ice, using your teeth as tools), you will notice a dramatic decline in the aesthetics of your smile. That’s why we recommend doing what you can to preserve your results, like brushing twice a day, coming to our office for a cleaning twice a year, and using a straw when drinking coffee.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you have questions about teeth whitening in Ponte Vedra Beach? If so, you’re not alone. Many patients who are preparing to have their smiles brightened often wonder how long results will last as well as if there are risks involved. To help ease your mind and offer the greatest amount of transparency, our team has compiled a list of common questions asked by our patients about teeth whitening. If you need additional assistance or would like to discuss further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Can teeth whitening be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Depending on your case and individual needs, it is possible to combine teeth whitening with other cosmetic treatments. Individuals who have minor chips or cracks may opt for another form of treatment but also inquire about ways to whiten their teeth. Although some solutions (i.e., veneers, dental crowns) cannot be whitened, professional tooth whitening can help to create a more even appearance.
Will my teeth become sensitive after tooth whitening?
It is natural for teeth to become sensitive immediately following a whitening treatment. Depending on the products used and the severity of your case, this feeling may only last 1-2 days, so it is temporary. Once this dissipates, you can expect your tooth sensitivity to return to normal. Should you experience problems beyond the first few days, contact our office.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Better Than Over-the-Counter Products?
While OTC products are inexpensive, that’s where the benefits end. In fact, professional whitening procedures have an advantage over store-bought products for several reasons. First, the strength of these products can be significantly different (the weak nature of the store-bought products can make whitening an extremely slow process). Second, the dentist has had years of experience with whitening and can determine if the teeth can be whitened, the optimal shade, and possible barriers to success. Finally, professional whitening trays will fit the teeth securely, which allows for an even coating of the whitening gel.
What Causes Teeth to Discolor?
- Trauma. Certain injuries can cause fractures in the teeth that can accumulate debris that can discolor the teeth.
- Age. Age correlates directly with tooth discoloration. Teeth are easier to whiten at earlier ages.
- Tooth thinness and translucency. Some people have tooth enamel that is thinner and more translucent than others. A thicker and more opaque tooth has an advantage in that it can be whitened more efficiently and effectively. The genetic makeup is what determines this from patient to patient. Transparency is one of the few situations in which whitening is not effective.
- Tobacco use. The use of tobacco can significantly stain teeth. The nicotine will leave deposits in the tooth structure that slowly soaks in and stains
- Diet. Certain foods can discolor the tooth structure. Teas, red wine, coffee, colas, and other colored foods can stain teeth. In addition to this, erosion from acidic food can wear away the enamel and allow the yellow dentin to show through.
Is whitening toothpaste enough to brighten my smile?
While it can be helpful to use whitening toothpaste, you should remember that it may only clear away surface stains, not those lying deep within the inner layers of your teeth. Also, it will not actually change the shade of your smile, so if you’re wanting to say goodbye to the discoloration, you’ll want to choose a professional method of teeth whitening over an over-the-counter kit or just simply using whitening toothpaste.
Will dental insurance cover the cost?
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic dental service and is not covered by dental insurance. Because it is not deemed “medically necessary,” you will likely need to look for an alternative way to pay for your treatment. Fortunately, at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we are pleased to offer our patients flexible solutions. Whether it is applying for a payment plan through CareCredit, Citi Health Card, or Community First, you can pursue a whiter, brighter smile while staying well within your budget.