Dr. Alexander offers professional teeth whitening in Jacksonville, FL. One of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is a quick, effective, and fairly inexpensive way to improve the look of your smile. Our dentist can also use teeth whitening and other cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures as part of a total smile makeover.
A good life is full of big moments. Maybe you’re about to walk down the aisle at your storybook wedding to the partner of your dreams. Maybe you have an interview for the job you’ve always wanted. You’ll want to look and feel your best. But maybe you feel awkward when you smile because your teeth aren’t pearly white anymore. Maybe your confidence needs a boost.
If you can relate to the above, professional teeth whitening treatments may be just what you need to look your best! If you are in the Jacksonville, FL, area, Alexander Dentistry can help.
Dr. Alexander provides professional teeth whitening systems at his dental office. He also provides kits that you can use in the comfort of your own home. We carefully select professional bleaching brands that only boost results and decrease tooth and gum sensitivity.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is the food and drinks you consume. Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine stain teeth over time. These beverages contain pigments that can attach to the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, and cause them to lose their brightness. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce can also stain your teeth, especially if you eat them regularly.
Smoking or using tobacco products is another major cause of tooth discoloration. Tobacco contains chemicals like nicotine and tar, which can leave yellow or brown stains on your teeth. These stains can be stubborn and difficult to remove with normal brushing, often requiring professional teeth whitening treatments to get rid of them.
Poor dental hygiene is also a factor in tooth discoloration. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and food particles can build up on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tartar formation, a hard, yellowish substance that sticks to your teeth and makes them look discolored. Failing to care for your teeth can also lead to cavities, which can cause dark spots on the teeth.
Aging is another natural cause of tooth discoloration. As you age, the enamel on your teeth wears down, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel, and it’s naturally yellow. As more dentin shows through, your teeth can start to look yellow, even if you take good care of them.
Certain medications can also cause tooth discoloration. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can stain teeth, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Some antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy treatments have also been linked to tooth discoloration. If you take medications regularly, you must talk to your doctor or dentist about how they might affect your teeth.
Certain medical conditions can affect the color of your teeth. For example, conditions that cause a decrease in saliva production, such as dry mouth, can lead to discoloration. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, so your teeth are more likely to stain when there isn’t enough of it.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our most immediate method of teeth whitening is the in-office procedure. This procedure takes a little over an hour and can produce up to ten shades lighter results. Your results will vary depending on the severity and source of stains. For example, certain stains from medicines are more difficult to erase. Dr. Alexander will discuss the expected results before your treatment during your consultation.
The process of in-office teeth whitening is simple. First, we set up a protective barrier for your gums against the bleaching chemicals. Next, we brush a layer of maximum strength bleaching gel onto your teeth and activate the ingredients with a special UV light. We may need to repeat this procedure over many months if you want to keep long-lasting results.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
A more convenient method for whitening your tooth enamel is at-home teeth whitening. This method utilizes custom-fitted whitening trays that Dr. Alexander creates in the office. We use state-of-the-art software and tools to create exact-fit trays. The take-home kit provides far better results than other options at your local drugstores, such as whitening strips and toothpaste.
At home, you will fill the trays with whitening gel and fit them over your teeth for the required time. You will usually wear them overnight while you sleep. The bleaching gel—which contains fluoride—will remove stains while also reducing sensitivity and strengthening your enamel. After a week of regular use, your teeth will look dramatically whiter.
Our dentists only use teeth-whitening products that minimize tooth sensitivity. Dr. Alexander carefully supervises teeth-whitening treatments.
The Benefits of Professional Products
While plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) options are available at the store, professional teeth whitening offers significant advantages.
Stronger Whitening Agents
One of the biggest differences between professional teeth whitening and store-bought products is the strength of the whitening agents. Professional treatments use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the key ingredients that break down stains on your teeth.
Store-bought options, such as whitening strips or toothpaste, have lower concentrations of these ingredients to ensure safety for general use. However, this also means they may not be as effective in delivering the results you want. With professional teeth whitening, a dentist customizes the treatment for your needs, using stronger agents to remove deeper stains and brighten your teeth much faster than store-bought options.
Personalized Treatment
Professional teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your dentist will assess the current condition of your teeth and customize the treatment to address your specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that you get the best results based on the level of discoloration, the cause of the stains, and the overall health of your teeth.
Store-bought options, on the other hand, are designed for general use and don’t consider each person’s unique needs. If the product isn’t suited to your particular type of discoloration, this can result in uneven whitening or less noticeable results.
Faster Results
Professional teeth whitening can deliver noticeable results in just one visit, often within an hour. In-office treatments are designed to work quickly and effectively, so you can leave with a dramatically brighter smile after just one session. Some dental offices even offer same-day whitening treatments.
Store-bought products usually take weeks or even months to show results. Whitening strips, toothpaste, or gels may require daily use over several weeks to achieve even modest changes, which can be frustrating for those seeking faster results.
Safer for Sensitive Teeth
Professional teeth whitening is the safer choice if you have sensitive teeth or gums. Dentists can take special precautions to protect your gums and mouth’s soft tissues from irritation. They also monitor the entire process, ensuring the treatment doesn’t cause unnecessary discomfort.
Store-bought whitening products don’t offer this level of protection. If used improperly, they can irritate sensitive areas or worsen existing sensitivity. Additionally, because a dentist doesn’t monitor them, there’s a higher risk of overuse, which can damage your enamel.
Long-Lasting Results
Professional teeth whitening treatments typically offer longer-lasting results than store-bought options. Because professional treatments use more powerful whitening agents and are customized to your needs, they are more effective at breaking down and removing deep stains. With proper care, the results from professional whitening can last for months or even years.
In contrast, store-bought products may provide temporary results, and the effects can fade more quickly, especially if you consume stain-causing foods or drinks regularly.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that can transform your smile. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Will teeth whitening give me permanent tooth sensitivity?
No. All teeth whitening procedures (whether at the dentist or not) will give you some sort of tooth sensitivity. But it is not permanent! Tooth sensitivity occurs as a chemical reaction on your tooth enamel from the hydrogen peroxide reacting to stains.
What is the best way to avoid tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening?
The best way to avoid tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening is to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps to repair damaged enamel, which may have been caused by the enamel-removing process of a tooth whitening treatment. Look for toothpaste containing sodium fluoride (to help re-mineralize the surface), silica gel (to protect teeth from acid erosion), and other natural ingredients that target sensitivity.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No. Teeth whitening is not a one-and-done treatment and will not permanently whiten your teeth. Your teeth will not stay perfectly white forever, no matter the type of teeth whitening service you get. Teeth stain over time, so you will need periodic follow-up treatments to keep your teeth white for long periods. Beware of services that offer permanent results.
Can dental insurance cover my teeth whitening procedure?
No, most dental insurance providers will not cover this service. They see it as an elective dental service that is not necessary for the health of your mouth and teeth.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for teeth whitening?
To be a candidate for teeth whitening, you should have healthy gums and no cavities. You should also have healthy tooth enamel and no dental work done in the past six months.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
The teeth whitening procedure is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that enhances the look and beauty of your healthy smile. Visit us to discuss which teeth whitening treatment would best suit your dental hygiene goals. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander and his dental care team in Jacksonville, Florida.