Looking for a confidence boost with a fresh, white smile? West Ashley Family Dentistry in Charleston, SC, offers professional teeth-whitening options for a quick and economical smile makeover. Teeth whitening can remove years of damage from lifestyle habits and tooth darkening from aging.
You can receive a one-hour in-office treatment or a convenient take-home kit customized for you. Our professional products and supervision will deliver results far superior to those of over-the-counter products.
Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn recommend that you begin with a clean, healthy smile for the best possible result. We’ll evaluate your dental health and discuss your cosmetic dental care goals to determine whether a teeth whitening treatment will meet your needs and expectations.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is administered by or overseen by a trained dentist. This will ensure that your bleaching is safe and reliable and delivers results that meet your cosmetic goals. In a dental office setting, bleaching treatments can use higher-concentration bleaching gels.
Having a dental professional oversee the whole process guarantees better results and a brighter smile. Over-the-counter bleaching systems rely on pamphlet directions and the patient to do the treatment correctly.
Although over-the-counter teeth whitening is cheaper and more convenient, the results may not meet your expectations. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn offer an at-home treatment, but we will help you with the fit of your bleaching trays and understand the step-by-step directions to achieve amazing results.
Opalescence® Whitening at West Ashley Family Dentistry
One of the quickest ways to enjoy an instant smile makeover is with professional teeth whitening. Our office uses Opalescence® professional products for both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments. We’ll work with you to help you choose the most convenient and effective option for your specific needs and cosmetic goals.
In-office treatment will take about one hour and can provide immediate results. Your new white smile can be maintained for a year or more by avoiding common offenders such as red wine, tea, and coffee. We can also recommend periodic touch-ups at home to extend the longevity of your results.
A take-home treatment will require a brief visit for dental impressions. These are needed to make custom-fit bleaching trays, which will ensure even distribution of bleaching agents on tooth surfaces and reduce gum irritation. With the convenient take-home option, your results will gradually emerge over 10 to 14 days.
The long-term results of the whitening will depend on the individual. Regular professional care and use of the touch-up whitening gel will help maintain the results indefinitely. To keep your new, white smile looking good for as long as possible, we recommend avoiding lifestyle habits that can stain and darken teeth. Don’t smoke, and avoid consuming dark beverages such as red wine, coffee, and tea.
Alternatives to Professional Whitening
While effective for most patients, certain types of tooth stains may not respond well to treatment. If this is the case for your smile, we offer alternative cosmetic treatments that can whiten your smile with permanent results:
Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn will help you find the right cosmetic or restorative option to fit your needs. Our dentists can treat stained teeth that are also damaged, chipped, or worn. These options are best if you have intrinsic stains and tooth injuries that we can address with whitening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about teeth whitening treatment in our Charleston, SC, dental office.
Am I a good candidate for Opalescence® teeth whitening?
Opalescence® teeth whitening is a good option if you have healthy teeth and stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or natural aging. Its peroxide-based ingredients penetrate the enamel to lighten both surface and some deeper stains.
You may not be a good candidate if you have untreated cavities, gum disease, very worn enamel, or strong sensitivity. We may need to treat certain dental problems, such as tooth or gum infections, before you receive cosmetic care.
Our dentists will also not recommend professional whitening for fillings, veneers, or crowns. We’ll first examine your mouth and determine the type of tooth stains to see if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening.
Is teeth whitening treatment permanent?
Teeth whitening treatment isn’t permanent. Whitening typically lasts somewhere between 6 months and a couple of years. How long they last depends on many factors, such as the whitening method used, diet and oral care after treatment, and genetics.
Can you whiten dentures?
Dentures cannot be whitened the same way that natural teeth are. They can be cleaned and polished to be shinier. Dentures are made to match the color of your teeth, but once they have been placed in your mouth, their color cannot be changed. They will not respond to any whitening treatment or toothpaste.
Can I eat or drink after teeth whitening?
Yes, but be careful for the first 24 hours. Right after the treatment, your teeth might be more sensitive and more likely to stain.
To keep your teeth looking bright, try to avoid foods and drinks that can stain them, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces. Drinking water is always a good choice. After 24 hours, you can resume your regular diet, but it’s still a good idea to limit foods and drinks that could cause stains.
How old do you have to be for teeth whitening?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that patients aged 16 or older undergo teeth whitening treatment. This is because most permanent teeth have fully erupted by this age. But you always want to consult a dentist before you begin teeth whitening. Our team will assess your oral health and determine whether this treatment is right for you.
How long does in-office teeth whitening last?
In-office teeth whitening can last from a few months to a few years. The exact duration varies from patient to patient. Factors like diet, oral hygiene, and whether you smoke can also affect how long it will last. Consuming foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee and tobacco products, can reduce the longevity of the whitening. Regular professional cleanings and whitening toothpaste or at-home kits can help maintain the results.
Will teeth whitening work on fillings?
No, whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel. They don’t have the same effect on dental restorations like dental fillings. If you have fillings, they will remain the same color, while your natural teeth could become whiter. This would result in a color mismatch. If you’re considering teeth whitening, you should discuss your options with a dentist.
Can I get teeth whitening if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can still get teeth whitening even if you have sensitive teeth! Many people with sensitivity have successfully used whitening treatments. But we recommend that you talk to us so we can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best options for you.
We might suggest special whitening products that are gentler on sensitive teeth. Our office may also provide tips to help reduce sensitivity during and after the treatment. With the right approach, you can brighten your smile while keeping your teeth comfortable.
Schedule a Professional Whitening Treatment Today
Do you want a brighter smile? Call West Ashley Family Dentistry today at (843) 371-5480. You can also request an appointment online with Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn. Please let us know if you have more questions for our team. We’ll be happy to help.