Teeth Whitening

Reveal a Brighter Smile Today!

Are you feeling the weight of a discolored smile? You can skip the generic over-the-counter treatments and enjoy drastic results with professional teeth whitening. This is a great way to rejuvenate your appearance without having to make significant investments in cosmetic dentistry or plastic surgery. Our office uses the latest solutions to deeply penetrate the enamel to reveal spectacular results. We are pleased to offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening in Jacksonville.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Your teeth may become stained or discolored for several reasons. Most adults gradually notice their pearly whites look less vibrant as the years pass by. Some of the most significant causes of stains on the enamel and general darkening of the teeth include:

• Coffee.
• Smoking and other tobacco use.
• Wine — especially red wine.
• Foods like tomato sauce, ripe berries, dark chocolate, and others.
• Poor oral hygiene.

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

If over-the-counter products can’t give you the results you want, our office offers 2 options to whiten your teeth. After an initial consultation to ensure you’re a candidate, our Jacksonville dentist will help you choose the best one for your needs and your lifestyle.

Zoom! In-Office

Zoom! Teeth Whitening is a well-recognized leader for providing significant improvement in tooth discoloration. In fact, your teeth can become as much as 8 shades whiter in about 1 hour. We apply a protective barrier to your lips and gums to avoid causing any irritation to the soft tissues. The professional-grade whitening gel is placed on your teeth and a special light is used to disrupt the discoloration molecules. The light is used for an average of three 15-minute intervals. At the end of your appointment, you’ll walk out with a beautiful, bright smile.

Opalescence Take-Home

If you prefer the convenience of an over-the-counter product but want professional results, now you can have both options. Opalescence is a take-home kit that allows you to achieve professional-quality results without leaving the house. We provide you with custom-fit trays to ensure the even and consistent distribution of the whitening agent. You use the kit every day for about 2 weeks. As the days pass, you’ll see your stains fade and a brighter smile shine through.

After you complete your whitening treatment (or during the process for at-home whitening), it is important that you avoid consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages. Your tooth enamel is more vulnerable to stains immediately after whitening, so do not drink coffee, smoke, or eat vibrant foods in the first several hours after the gel has been removed.

What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening offers several benefits for patients who are interested in improving the appearance of their smiles. Some of the most significant include:

• Reveal a more youthful smile without having to invest significant time or money in other treatments.
• Choose from in-office or at-home treatments to whiten at your preferred pace.
• Results can last for a long time with proper care and maintenance of your teeth.
• Enjoy all the confidence of a beautiful, sparkling smile.

How Long Do Teeth Stay White After Whitening Treatment?

In truth, how long your teeth stay white after whitening treatment depends on several factors, including the type of treatment you underwent, your oral hygiene, and your lifestyle choices. That said, it’s generally recommended to get your teeth whitened once every year to every 18 months to maintain their whiteness.

Of course, there are things you can do to help maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment between appointments. For starters, practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is key. You might also consider incorporating natural teeth-whitening foods into your diet, such as strawberries, apples, and carrots. Using a whitening toothpaste occasionally can also help maintain your results. It’s also important to see your dentist for regular cleanings to remove any surface stains that may have accumulated since your last visit.

What to Avoid After Teeth Whitening Treatment?

You’ve probably heard that you should avoid certain habits and foods after a teeth whitening treatment, but what exactly should you avoid? Well, first and foremost, avoid using hard bristle brushes and abrasive toothpaste. Hard bristles and abrasive toothpaste can damage your enamel and irritate your gums, leading to sensitivity and discomfort. Along the same lines, resist brushing aggressively as this could damage the enamel, exposing the yellow dentin. Moreover, brushing aggressively can cause the whitening agent to wear off more quickly, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.

It’s also advisable to avoid stain-causing foods and drinks. These include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato-based sauces, among others. And if you do indulge in these types of foods and drinks, be sure to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming them to minimize the risk of staining.

Acidic and sugary foods and drinks are also a big no-no as they can erode your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to staining. Another habit to avoid is smoking. Nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause stains on your teeth and reduce the effectiveness of the teeth whitening treatment.

Is Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Treatment Normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal to experience sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment. The whitening process can temporarily weaken the enamel on your teeth, making them more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to minimize this discomfort. Firstly, try using a desensitizing toothpaste or gel, which can help reduce sensitivity over time. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help alleviate any discomfort you may be feeling.

It’s also a good idea to avoid hot and cold foods and drinks for the first few days after your treatment, as these can exacerbate the sensitivity.

Most importantly, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. And if the sensitivity becomes unbearable, contact your dentist immediately. They will be able to recommend additional treatments or adjustments to help manage your discomfort.

Get a Brighter Smile Today!

If you’re interested in improving your smile with professional teeth whitening, we invite you to get in touch with your dentist in Jacksonville to learn more. We look forward to helping you love your smile.