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Home Dental Services Tooth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Charleston, SC

Teeth WhiteningAn Overview

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, 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 convenient take-home kit customized for you. Our professional products and supervision will provide results far superior to over-the-counter products.

Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn recommend that you begin with a clean and healthy smile for the best possible result. We will evaluate your dental health and discuss your cosmetic dental care goals to determine that a teeth whitening treatment will meet your needs and expectations.

While effective for most patients, there are certain types of tooth stains that may not respond well. If this is the case for your smile, we offer alternative cosmetic treatments that can whiten your smile with permanent results:

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is administered by or overseen by a trained dentist. This will ensure that your bleaching results are safe and reliable and will deliver results to meet your cosmetic goals. When used in a dental office setting, bleaching treatments are able to utilize 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.

Despite the fact that 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 help you understand the step-by-step directions to help you achieve amazing results.

Teeth Whitening What to Expect

One of the quickest ways to enjoy an instant smile makeover is with professional teeth whitening. West Ashley Family Dentistry uses Opalescence® professional products for both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments. We will 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, teas, and coffee. Periodic touch-ups at home can extend the longevity of your results.

A take-home treatment will require a brief visit for dental impressions. These are needed for making custom-fit bleaching trays which will ensure an even distribution of bleaching agents on tooth surfaces and reduce irritation of the gums. With the convenient take-home option, your results will gradually emerge over a period of 10-14 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 known to stain and darken the teeth such as smoking and consuming dark beverages such as red wine, coffee, and tea.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Is teeth whitening treatment permanent?

Teeth whitening treatment is not permanent. Whitening typically lasts somewhere between 6 months to a couple of years. How long they last depends on many factors such as the method of whitening used, diet and oral care after treatment, and genetics.

Can dentures be whitened with teeth whitening?

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.

What can I eat after teeth whitening treatment?

Dentists recommend that patients do not eat any foods that stain teeth after teeth whitening treatment. Foods like coffee, tea, wine, soda, and chocolate are not recommended to be eaten after treatment. Some foods that are safe to eat after whitening are chicken, fish, rice, bananas, and yogurt. Once it has passed 48 hours post-treatment, it is safe to consume any foods without the fear of staining.

How old do you have to be for teeth whitening?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that patients 16 or older can have teeth whitening treatment. This is because most permanent teeth have fully erupted by this age. However, it’s always important to consult a dentist before starting teeth whitening, especially for younger patients. A dentist can assess the patient’s 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 person to patient and patient. Factors like diet, oral hygiene, and whether you smoke can also affect how long it will last. Consuming foods and drinks that stains, 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?

Teeth whitening treatments primarily work on natural tooth enamel. They do not have the same effect on dental restorations, such as dental fillings. If you have fillings, they will remain the same color, while your natural teeth could become whiter. This would result in a mismatch in color. If you’re considering teeth whitening, you should discuss your options with a dentist.

Can I eat or drink after teeth whitening treatment?

Yes, you can eat and drink after teeth whitening treatment, but it’s best to 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 your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces. Drinking water is always a good choice. After 24 hours, you can go back to your regular diet, but it’s still a good idea to limit the foods and drinks that could cause stains.

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. However, 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.

Related Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Cleanings Dental Concerns Discolored Teeth