At Columbia Family Dentist, we provide you with thorough teeth whitening options and cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MD. Many people want a whiter, brighter smile, and we can help you achieve that. Being happy with your smile boosts your confidence and well-being. If your smile seems yellow or dull, our dental office can help by whitening your teeth and giving you a complete smile makeover.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
Tooth discoloration is a common issue that patients of all ages experience. You might be surprised by how many everyday things can stain your teeth. Here are some of the top foods, drinks, and substances that can cause staining:
- Tea and coffee
- Red wine
- Sodas
- Fruit juice
- Red sauces
- Soy sauce
- Tobacco use
Even with great oral care, teeth can still have tooth discoloration over time. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, your teeth might look dull. Our Columbia cosmetic dentistry team is here to help. We offer whitening solutions that can give you the bright, white smile you want, with no fuss!
Teeth Whitening Procedure in Columbia, MD
Our office uses a whitening gel that we apply to your teeth and leave on for a set time. This gel lifts stains and leaves you with a bright, white smile. We offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments, tailored to your needs.
The process is simple. First, we’ll have a consultation to check your oral health and talk about your whitening goals. During this visit, our dental team will look at your teeth and decide on the best plan for great results.
Next, we’ll get you ready for the treatment by making sure your gums are protected and you’re comfortable. We will take impressions of your teeth to make custom whitening trays. These trays fit snugly over your teeth and make sure the gel spreads evenly. This helps avoid uneven coloring or blotches.
Then, we put the gel into the trays and place them on your teeth for a few minutes. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which helps to whiten your teeth. This gel goes deep into the enamel to break down tough stains. After a few minutes, we’ll check the color. The process usually takes about an hour, and you can relax while we monitor your progress to make sure you’re getting the right level of brightness without any discomfort.
If you’re happy with the result after an hour, then we’re done. If not, we’ll apply more gel and repeat the process. The whole treatment usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
When we’re done, you’ll see an immediate difference—your smile will be brighter and more vibrant. To keep your teeth looking great, we’ll give you personalized instructions and suggest at-home products to help maintain your results. You will leave our office with teeth that are several shades whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
When Will I See Results From Teeth Whitening?
You will see results almost immediately, but it takes about 24 hours for you to be able to see the final true results. The whitening agents work gradually so you will not notice a huge difference on the same day of treatment.
How Long Do Your Teeth Stay White After Whitening?
After whitening, your teeth can stay white for anywhere from six months to two years. How long they stay white depends on how well you care for your teeth, what you eat, and if you get touch-ups.
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Normally?
After whitening your teeth, it’s best to avoid foods and drinks with strong colors for 2 to 3 days. This can keep your teeth from getting stained again. Coffee and wine can easily stain teeth, so it’s a good idea to steer clear of them to keep your smile bright.
How Does The Type of Whitening Treatment Affect How Long Teeth Stay White?
Different whitening methods have various strengths, and this impacts how long the results last.
Professional treatments done by a dentist usually give the longest-lasting results. They use stronger bleaching agents that go deep into the enamel, providing fast and long-term whitening. With proper care, results from in-office treatments can last several months or even years.
On the other hand, store-bought products like strips or gels may lighten teeth, but the results don’t last as long. These products have weaker ingredients, so the whiteness fades faster, and you may need to use them more often to keep your teeth white.
Lifestyle choices also play a big role in how long your teeth stay white. Eating or drinking things like coffee, red wine, or smoking can make your teeth stain faster, no matter which method you choose. So, knowing how different treatments work and practicing good oral care is key to keeping your smile bright.
How Can You Keep Your Teeth White for as Long as Possible After Treatment?
First, make sure you have good oral hygiene habits. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing will help keep plaque and stains away.
What you eat and drink matters too. Staying away from foods and drinks that stain—like coffee, red wine, and dark sauces—will help keep your teeth bright. If you do consume these items, rinse your mouth with water right after to reduce staining.
Another tip is to use a straw when drinking dark-colored liquids. This helps limit the contact between the liquid and your teeth. Using touch-up whitening products from the store can also help maintain your white smile without needing more frequent professional treatments.
Lastly, regular dental check-ups are important. They can catch any problems early and include professional cleanings to remove surface stains. By following these steps, you’ll keep your teeth whiter for longer and improve your overall dental health.
How Often Should You Get Touch-Up Treatments To Maintain White Teeth?
To keep your smile bright, regular touch-up treatments are needed to counter the natural staining from daily life. Most people should plan to get a touch-up every six months to a year, depending on what they eat or drink.
If you often have foods or drinks that cause stains, you might need touch-ups more often, about every three to four months. At-home whitening kits can also help between professional treatments.
Keeping up with touch-ups not only helps your smile stay white but also boosts your confidence. A bright smile makes a great impression both personally and professionally. Make sure to schedule touch-ups regularly to keep your teeth looking their best!
Schedule A Dental Exam at our Cosmetic Dentistry in Columbia, MD
You can count on Columbia Family Dentist to help you reach your smile goals. If you’re worried about the color of your teeth, we’re here to support you with care and kindness. We focus on helping you, not judging you.
Teeth whitening is an easy way to get a beautiful smile makeover. Our team is excited to create bright, healthy smiles in Columbia, Maryland. We offer top-notch, quick teeth whitening results in the Columbia area.
Call us today at 410-670-8211 with any questions about our teeth whitening services. Schedule an appointment online when you are ready to begin your whitening treatment.