Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that brightens your smile. It’s quick, effective, and usually not too expensive. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley at Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Virginia Beach offer easy options for getting your teeth whiter.
You can choose from in-office treatments, at home, or a mix of both. We use top-quality whitening brands that give great results with minimal sensitivity to your teeth and gums.
Is Teeth Whitening Right For You?
Teeth naturally darken over time. They can also get stained from foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Other things that might cause stains include certain medications, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.
Most people can benefit from professional teeth whitening. A whiter smile can boost your confidence and make you look younger. We can also combine whitening with other cosmetic treatments to enhance your overall smile.
How long the results last can vary from person to person. Regular check-ups and touch-up treatments can keep your smile bright. To keep your teeth looking their best, try to avoid things that can stain your teeth, like smoking or drinking dark and sugary beverages.
Some people might not see results from whitening alone. If that’s the case, Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley might suggest other treatments like dental crowns or porcelain veneers.
In-office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is a great choice if you want fast results. The whitening process takes about an hour and can give you a noticeably brighter smile right away. The professional whitening gels we use minimize sensitivity and tackle most stains.
This treatment is perfect for special events like weddings, graduations, or job interviews. A thorough dental exam will help determine if in-office whitening is right for you and if it can address your specific staining issues.
At-home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening is a convenient option for many people. It involves using a custom-made whitening tray that fits your mouth perfectly. This tray ensures that the whitening gel is applied evenly and safely, without harming your gums or tooth enamel.
The treatment is done over several weeks. You wear the trays either during the day or at night, based on your preference. You will see the results come gradually and look natural. With regular touch-ups and good dental care, you can keep your smile bright.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening make my teeth more sensitive?
Teeth whitening might make your teeth feel sensitive for a short time, but this usually doesn’t last long. This sensitivity happens because the whitening process exposes new enamel, which can be more sensitive to hot or cold foods. The sensitivity should go away within a few hours to a few days. If you already have sensitive teeth, you should talk to your dentist before starting treatment.
How long does teeth whitening at the dentist last?
The effects of teeth whitening at the dentist can last from a few weeks to a few months. How long it lasts depends on your dental care routine, whether you smoke, and what you eat. There is no whitening method that gives permanent results, so you might need touch-ups to keep your teeth looking bright.
Does teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
Teeth whitening is safe for your enamel. Enamel is very strong, and the amount of whitening gel used by your dentist is not enough to harm it. So, teeth whitening won’t weaken your enamel or damage your teeth.
What are intrinsic and extrinsic stains?
Extrinsic stains are on the surface of your teeth and are often caused by food and drinks. Dentists can easily treat these stains with whitening. Intrinsic stains are deeper and can appear from damage or infections inside the tooth. These might need other treatments, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding, to cover the stains.
Can I brush my teeth after a teeth whitening treatment?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after whitening, but it’s best to wait for two hours. You should also avoid eating or drinking for a couple of hours after your treatment because your teeth might be sensitive and could be damaged.
Schedule a whitening consultation along with your next dental exam. If you’re looking for teeth whitening services near Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, contact Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Call us at 757-656-6368 to learn more about our whitening options or book a consultation online.