Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is proud to offer professional teeth whitening treatment in Durham, NC, for a quick, economical smile makeover. As a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, we have many patients seek out these procedures to instantly improve the look of their smile. They can remove years of stains from bad habits to natural tooth darkening from aging. We can also combine a whitening treatment with other cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures as part of a total smile makeover.
Causes of Tooth Stains
Your tooth can darken or stain over time because of many factors, which can include:
- Foods and Drinks: Dark-colored foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can leave stains on teeth. Drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda are also major culprits. The more you consume these items, the more likely your teeth will become stained over time.
- Tobacco: Another cause of tooth stains is smoking or using tobacco products. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and other tobacco products can create brown or yellow stains on the surface of teeth. These stains can be difficult to remove without professional cleaning.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up on the surface of your teeth. Plaque can cause teeth to look yellow or discolored. Over time, this plaque can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove and can make stains worse.
- Aging: Aging naturally leads to tooth discoloration as well. As you get older, the enamel on your teeth, which is the outer white layer, wears down. This makes the yellowish dentin underneath more visible, causing teeth to look darker.
- Medications: Certain medications can also cause tooth stains. Some antibiotics, especially when given to children, can cause teeth to discolor. In addition, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect the color of teeth.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Many patients begin whitening their teeth with store-bought whitening strips or gels. However, most whitening kits do not offer dramatic results or may not work in the first place. Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits over store-bought options:
- Customized Treatment: We will tailor the whitening process to your specific needs, ensuring optimal results and minimal discomfort. They consider the condition of your teeth and the level of staining to apply the appropriate concentration of whitening agents.
- Safety and Comfort: Professional whitening treatments are safe and supervised by dental experts. We take precautions to protect your gums and other oral tissues to reduce the risk of sensitivity or damage.
- Long-lasting Effects: The results of professional teeth whitening last longer than those of store-bought products. With proper oral hygiene and occasional touch-ups, you can maintain a dazzling smile for an extended period. Most treatments can last months. KöR Teeth Whitening can last a year without retouching.
Teeth Whitening in Durham, NC
Dr. James Furgurson is a cosmetic dentist and is welcoming patients from Durham, NC who want a brighter smile. Schedule a teeth whitening consult with Dr. Furgurson to see if our treatments can brighten your smile.
If you qualify, he will create a treatment plan that will meet your goals while staying within your budget. We use two of the top teeth whitening product, both of which can deliver a beautiful, whiter smile.
KöR Teeth Whitening
KöR teeth whitening uses advanced science to whiten teeth without the use of lasers or lights. When a bleaching product mixes with saliva, it becomes less effective. This system uses special trays that bypass that issue. The trays will completely seal out saliva making the whitening gel better. The KöR whitening gels can deliver 6 to 10 hours of whitening activity. While it does involve many more steps, this system will give you great results. It is also known for not causing teeth to become sensitive.
The KöR Whitening uses a tri-barrel gel delivery system. This keeps all the whitening agents separate until it is time to whiten teeth. This is the only system to use this method.
The KöR whitening process involves multiple steps. This first step involves two weeks of teeth whitening at home using the trays. You will fill the trays with the bleaching gel and wear it overnight, covering your teeth for six to ten hours.
After those two weeks, you will return to our Durham, NC area dentist office for in-office whitening. You will also do the at-home treatment at the same time. One month into treatment, three to four weeks of continuing at-home treatment will begin with multiple in-office sessions. The last six to eight weeks involve in-office and at-home treatments.
Opalescence Teeth Whitening
Opalescence is a trusted take-home whitening system. It uses a sticky, viscous whitening gel that helps keep the trays in place, thus increasing its effectiveness. The gel is also formulated with potassium nitrate and fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
This safe and effective whitening system will whiten the entire tooth, even the parts that are not in contact with the gel. This works because the oxygen molecules from the gel spread throughout the entire tooth and react with the discolored molecules. We offer several forms of Opalescence delivery systems, including at-home custom trays, prefilled trays, or in-office treatments.
Alternatives to Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening treatment can lift external tooth stains. Our treatments can lift stains from food, drinks, or a poor oral hygiene routine. However, if you have tooth stains that are resistant to whitening treatment, we offer cosmetic and restorative treatments to cover your teeth:
- Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells we bond to the front teeth. Dental veneers cover one or more teeth in your smile line. We can color-match veneers to your desired tooth shade.
- Bonding: Dental bonding may seem similar to veneers, but bonding does not need tooth preparation. Bonding uses tooth-colored material that we cure to your tooth.
- Crowns: We may recommend crowns if you have a damaged and stained tooth. Dental crowns are caps that fully cover single teeth. Our office works with a dental lab to create crowns.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Discover more about teeth whitening in our Durham, NC, dental office with answers to these common questions:
Will whitening work on all types of stains?
Whitening treatments are usually effective for surface stains, which sit on the outside of teeth. They can come from foods, drinks like coffee or tea, smoking, or not brushing well.
Intrinsic stains are deeper inside the tooth and can be caused by things like certain medications, too much fluoride, or trauma to the teeth. Whitening treatments may not work on these stains either. Sometimes, you might need other treatments, like veneers or crowns, to fix the color.
As we age, our teeth can develop a mix of surface and intrinsic stains. Whitening can help improve the overall appearance, but results may vary depending on the type of stains.
How can I prepare for a teeth whitening treatment?
Before whitening your teeth, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. This can help your teeth look their best when you start whitening.
If you have sensitive teeth, let us know. We will recommend specific products or techniques to help reduce sensitivity during and after the treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask our dentist any questions you may have about the whitening process. He can explain what to expect and how to take care of your teeth afterward.
Can I get professional teeth whitening if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can get professional teeth whitening even if you have sensitive teeth, but let Dr. Furgurson know about your sensitivity first. He can help find the best option for you.
Before the whitening process, our dentist might apply a desensitizing treatment to help protect your teeth from sensitivity. Our dentist can also customize the whitening process to suit your needs. This includes the concentration of the whitening gel and the length of time it’s applied.
If in-office whitening is too uncomfortable, we may recommend a take-home whitening kit. These can be gentler and allow you to control the process.
What should I do if I experience sensitivity after whitening?
If you experience sensitivity after whitening your teeth, don’t worry. This is a common issue, and there are several steps you can take to feel more comfortable:
Look for toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These types of toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity over time. Use it regularly, especially after whitening treatments. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t scrub too hard, as this can make sensitivity worse.
Stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days after your whitening treatment. Extreme temperatures can make your teeth feel more sensitive. Foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar can irritate sensitive teeth. Try to avoid these for a short while after your treatment.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe when done correctly. Before treatment, we will check your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening. Some people may experience temporary side effects after whitening, like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. However, these effects usually go away quickly.
Professional whitening treatments use safe ingredients. The main ingredient in most whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are effective and safe when used correctly.
How old do you have to be to get teeth whitening?
Most dentists recommend waiting until you’re at least 16 for professional teeth whitening. This is because your teeth are still developing. The enamel, or outer tooth layer, is thinner in younger patients, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Professional whitening products could be too strong for younger teeth.
Can I get my teeth whitened if I have braces?
You cannot get your teeth whitened while you have braces. This is because the brackets and wires on your teeth will block the whitening solution from reaching all parts of your teeth. As a result, the areas covered by the braces may not get whiter, leading to uneven coloring when you remove them. However, once your braces are removed and your teeth are straight, you can consider whitening treatments.
How long does it take to get teeth whitening treatment?
The length of your teeth whitening treatment depends on the type of treatment. If you choose KöR, it can take several months to complete treatment. However, the results last longer than other options. Opalescence teeth whitening can take 5 to 10 days.
Brighten Your Teeth
Contact our office today for a consultation and find out if teeth whitening in Durham, NC, will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. We can help you if you have stained teeth, white spots, yellow teeth, or discolored teeth.
You can reach our Chapel Hill dentist office at 919.736.6175. You can also schedule a teeth whitening appointment online. If you have questions about whitening teeth, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help you.