At Columbia Family Dentist, we provide you with thorough teeth whitening options at our cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MD. We can help you achieve a brighter smile in one visit. 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.
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 noticeably brighter teeth. 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. We will continue the process until we get the shade you want. The process usually takes about an hour, but it will go by in no time. 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.
You’ll notice a difference right away by the time we finish. Your smile will be brighter and more vibrant. To keep your teeth looking great, we’ll suggest at-home products to help maintain your results. You’ll leave our office with teeth that are several shades whiter.
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 other things 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 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 won’t 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 bright for anywhere from six months to two years. How long your results last comes down to three things:
- Your Daily Habits: Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can stain your teeth faster. Using a straw for dark drinks and rinsing your mouth after eating helps.
- Your Oral Care Routine: Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a whitening toothpaste can extend your results.
- Touch-Up Treatments: A quick whitening session every few months keeps your smile looking fresh.
Follow all instructions from your dentist so your results last as long as possible. We can recommend the best at-home maintenance or schedule occasional in-office touch-ups. Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after whitening because your teeth are more prone to staining right after treatment.
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?
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 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.
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How Can You Keep Your Teeth White for as Long as Possible After Treatment?
First, make sure you have good oral hygiene habits. Brushing more than twice a day and flossing will keep plaque and stains away.
What you eat and drink matters too. Staying away from foods and drinks that stain will 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. You can also use whitening toothpaste or strips from the store to keep your smile bright between professional treatments.
Lastly, regular dental check-ups are still important. The hygienist can catch any problems early and provide 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 will counter the natural staining from daily life. Most patients 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 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 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.