People use teeth whitening products daily to enhance their confidence and brighten the appearance of their smile. A wide variety of products are available to whiten teeth, including store-bought toothpaste, gels, and special whitening strips. But no matter what condition your teeth are in, there is a safer, more convenient way to achieve a whiter smile. A professional teeth whitening treatment from an accredited dentist in Annapolis, MD, will safely give you a brighter smile. Visit Dr. Vernon Sheen for affordable teeth whitening options.
Why Do I Have Tooth Stains?
One of the most common causes of tooth stains is food and drinks. Highly pigmented foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, tea, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and berries can dye your teeth over time.
Additionally, acidic foods and beverages can lead to tooth wear. The acids break down the outer layer of the tooth or enamel. Tooth wear can expose dentin, the darker underlayer beneath the enamel.
Poor oral hygiene can add to this problem. If you do not consistently brush and floss, tooth stains can stay on your tooth enamel. Plaque, a bacterial film, can also coat your teeth, making them appear more yellow.
Tobacco is another common cause of staining. The nicotine in tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes turns the teeth yellow. Years of tobacco use can result in yellow teeth and can increase the risk of problems like gum disease and dry mouth.
About Teeth Whitening in Annapolis, MD
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen offers several options for patients to whiten their teeth. You can choose between the in-office laser teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening kits. He can customize both of these options for the best possible results. Dr. Sheen will take the time to evaluate your dental health so he can recommend the most suitable choice.
Certain types of tooth stains may not respond as expected to a teeth whitening treatment. Existing fillings and crowns may also impact your choice of whitening. In this case, Dr. Sheen offers other cosmetic treatments that can whiten your smile with lasting results.
Alternative teeth whitening options include:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Crowns
- Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
These options work for patients with intrinsic tooth stains, which occur when stains enter the tooth. Teeth whitening treatments only treat stains in the outer tooth layer. We often recommend crowns, veneers, or bonding to cover stained and damaged teeth that we cannot treat with whitening treatment.
Depending on your dental health needs and goals, Dr. Sheen will recommend the most appropriate treatment option for whitening your teeth after an examination.
Laser Teeth Whitening in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Sheen is one of the few dentists in Annapolis to offer advanced laser teeth whitening. He can complete this professional whitening treatment in a single one-hour visit.
During laser teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Sheen will provide you with eyewear to protect your eyes from the light. Then, he applies a laser-activated gel to the surface of the teeth to instantly brighten your smile. The laser helps active ingredients in the whitening gel to lift stains from the teeth.
While most people see immediate results after their laser visit, individual results will vary based on the initial level of tooth discoloration.
Benefits of laser whitening for patients:
- Non-invasive procedure
- Safe, performed under the supervision of an experienced cosmetic dentist
- Produces little to no side effects, including sensitivity, a common side effect with other forms of teeth whitening
- Completed in a single visit for an instant smile makeover
- Permanent, lasting results for a beautiful new smile
As with maintaining your natural teeth, we recommend avoiding darker beverages such as coffee and tea, tobacco products, and red wine. Avoiding these products can prolong the results of your treatment.
Am I a candidate for laser whitening?
Dr. Sheen will meet with you to evaluate your dental health. This is to ensure that laser teeth whitening is the right solution for your needs. Although laser teeth whitening is effective for most patients, certain types of tooth stains are resistant to teeth whitening:
- Stains from certain types of medications
- Discoloration from certain medical conditions
At-Home Teeth Whitening Solutions
The at-home teeth whitening system is convenient, affordable, and popular. Take-home whitening helps patients who cannot find time in their busy lives to schedule an in-office appointment.
For this treatment program, Dr. Sheen first takes an impression of your smile. He uses these impressions to create a set of custom-fit trays. These trays hold the whitening gel firmly against the surface of your teeth.
The length of time you will have to wear these retainers each day depends on the strength of the whitening gel. You should wear the retainers for at least 2 weeks for maximum results. You will keep these trays for future at-home whitening sessions.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these common patient questions:
Is professional teeth whitening painful?
No. It is a non-invasive cosmetic dental service that does not cause pain during treatment. We will not even need to numb your mouth. Our dental care team will make sure you are comfortable during treatment so that you have the best experience possible.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is a temporary symptom of teeth whitening. Not every patient who gets teeth whitening will experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which will go away within a couple of hours. If you still experience sensitivity after a few days, visit us for a dental exam.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when done correctly. Whitening done by a dentist is usually safe and effective. They use special products and take care to protect your gums and teeth. Store-bought whitening kits can also be safe if used as directed. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use products approved by dental professionals.
Can I whiten my dentures?
No. You cannot whiten your dentures with teeth whitening treatments. Modern dentures do not easily stain or discolor over time because they are made of highly stain-resistant material. You can get a new pair to prevent oral health issues if you have old, dull dentures.
What foods and drinks should I avoid after whitening?
After teeth whitening, avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. First, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, as these can stain your freshly whitened teeth. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also stain your teeth.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, and pickles can weaken your enamel, making your teeth more prone to staining. In addition, stay away from brightly colored candies, popsicles, or foods with added coloring.
Can everyone get teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening works best on natural teeth. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, they won’t change color, so the whitening might not look even. If you have sensitive teeth or gum issues, whitening might cause discomfort. Talk to your dentist if you have these problems.
In addition, deep or old stains might not respond well to whitening. In some cases, other treatments might be needed. Teeth whitening is usually not recommended for children and teens under 16 because their teeth are still developing.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last six or more months. To ensure your whitening results last, follow these tips:
- Brush and floss every day
- Avoid staining and acidic foods and drinks
- Visit our office for routine care
How many teeth whitening treatments do I need?
The number of teeth whitening treatments you need can depend on the type of treatment. If you get whitening done at the dentist’s office, you might only need one or two visits to see noticeable results. For in-home kits, it usually takes a few weeks of daily treatments to get the best results.
If your teeth are stained or discolored, you might need more treatments to achieve the level of whiteness you want. Some people want a brighter smile and may need more treatments, while others are happy with less dramatic changes.
Get Whiter Teeth Today
Are you ready for a brighter, whiter smile? Contact us to learn which teeth whitening treatment is right for you. Call (443) 482-5202 or schedule an appointment online.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening, contact our Annapolis dentist office. We’re here to help you.