Teeth Whitening – Jacksonville, FL
Goodbye Stains, Hello Brighter Smile!
White teeth are everywhere you look, whether it’s on TV or in magazine advertisements. Unfortunately, stains on the enamel can cause your pearly whites to dull over time, and the solution isn’t always as simple as brushing. At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we can offer both in-office treatments and take-home kits that can get rid of staining particles and give you a more dazzling grin. If you’ve been thinking of making cosmetic improvements to your teeth, contact us to schedule a consultation today!
Why Do Teeth Stain?
If you enjoy a hot cup of coffee every morning or regularly indulge in some red wine, over time they’ll leave stains on the surface of your teeth; other dark-colored beverages as well as certain foods (such as tomato sauce) can also have this effect. The tar and nicotine in tobacco are also prone to causing discoloration. Patients who were exposed to certain medications as children (such as tetracycline) will also experience staining.
Sometimes a change in color can be caused by the dentin layer underneath the enamel becoming more visible, whether it’s due to physical trauma or simple age-related wear.
What is Teeth Whitening?
For discoloration caused by stains, teeth whitening can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. While there are many over-the-counter whitening products, the gels used in professional treatments can bleach the inside of the enamel, removing intrinsic stains as well as those on the surface. At our practice, you have two options for teeth whitening: an in-office treatment or a take-home kit.
In-Office Whitening
We use the Zoom bleaching treatment for patients who want to enjoy a whiter smile as soon as possible. The procedure lasts about an hour. After the lips and gums are covered, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light. The hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel to break up any stains. After just one visit, your teeth can become several shades brighter!
Take-Home Whitening
A take-home whitening kit provided by a dentist will contain custom-made trays made to fit the contour of your teeth for improved comfort. For a certain amount of time each day, you’ll fill the trays with the provided whitening gel and simply wear them while reading, watching TV, or otherwise relaxing in the comfort of your own home. After about two weeks, the results will speak for themselves!
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Usually Last?
The effects of teeth whitening won’t last forever, but the exact amount of time depends on how well you take care of them afterwards. You’ll want to avoid staining beverages (or at the very least drink them through a straw to reduce tooth contact) and remember to brush after every meal. In many cases, you’ll enjoy a brighter smile for 12 to 24 months. We may recommend using a maintenance kit to help preserve the results as long as possible.