Teeth Whitening at Dentist
Dunwoody, GA
How does teeth whitening at the dentist work?
At Plunkett & Chaw Dental, we can provide you with an in-office teeth whitening using professional-grade whitening solution. This is an important distinction to make because the whitening kits that are sold in the store contain solution that is not nearly as strong and will not produce the same level of results. Patients may also visit our office after trying a kit at home and wish they had come here first. The reason for the difference is that a store-bought solution will typically only remove the surface stains from the teeth. This can help to eliminate some of the stains caused by recent food or beverage consumption. It will not remove the deep staining and discoloration that is coming from within the tooth, but our solution will.
Why teeth whitening at the dentist produces better results.
It all comes down to oxidization. When we place whitening solution on your teeth it will not stop at the enamel, but penetrate it. Once inside of your tooth, our solution will work to start the process of oxidization so that the molecules inside of your teeth will reflect less light. By appearing colorless, your teeth will look like a brilliant shade of white.
How long does it take?
When you visit our Dunwoody dental office for teeth whitening, we will prepare your teeth and protect your lips, gum tissue and cheeks. We will then apply the whitening solution and give it time to be activated. Typically, it only takes an hour from the time you sit in the dental chair to when you are able to leave. The solution will begin to take effect during this time and your teeth will show an immediate improvement.
Can anyone have their teeth whitened?
At Plunkett & Chaw Dental, we recommend whitening procedures for adults and some older teens. This is not an appropriate procedure for children and, fortunately, they very rarely need it. Before determining if someone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, we conduct a thorough examination. This is to determine if there are any signs of cavities, infection or gum disease. These oral health problems require treatment prior to conducting any cosmetic dentistry procedures. This is to ensure that we are not putting whitening solution on a tooth that is decaying or exposed. Naturally, this could cause you discomfort and only exasperate the situation. Fortunately, if we do find any oral health problems, we can correct them quickly and schedule you for a teeth whitening treatment right away.
How frequently can I schedule a teeth whitening at the dentist?
When you visit our dental office, we will examine your teeth, look for signs of erosion and discuss your overall treatment plan. In most cases, you can have your teeth whitened every six to twelve months. This is true if the teeth are healthy. If they are not healthy, sensitive, or eroding, we may recommend that you only have your teeth whitened once per year.
- Check out what others are saying about our teeth whitening services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening at Dentist Dunwoody
The process
How can I keep my teeth white after a treatment?
At Plunkett & Chaw Dental we tell patients that there are plenty of ways to extend the time periods between whitening treatments. These include drinking plenty of water and doing so every time that you eat or have another beverage like coffee. You should also brush your teeth after every meal or after having something that is particularly staining. It is important to avoid any food or drinks that have food coloring in them, are acidic, full of tannins, etc. Things like coffee, red wine, and soy sauce can be particularly bad for your teeth, so consume them in moderation only.
Does whitening toothpaste really work?
As a dentist, we recommend that you use a whitening toothpaste in between treatments. This paste can help to keep surface stains at bay so that your teeth will remain whiter for a longer period of time. It does an excellent job when it comes to maintenance. It does not, however, do a good job of whitening teeth the first go round. In this case, it may make your teeth appear brighter but you will not experience stain removal or see your teeth lighten by more than a shade or two. This is because the paste only works on the surface..
Is teeth whitening at the dentist expensive?
No, not at all. This is an incredibly affordable treatment solution and typically, the most affordable way to improve the appearance of the teeth and your smile. As a dental office, we recommend this solution for anyone considering a smile makeover or more intensive cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental veneers and dental crowns. Very often, a dental whitening treatment can make such a positive impact that people no longer need these more invasive solutions. Since it is fast and affordable, there is no reason not to try it.
Does it matter when I whiten my teeth?
Absolutely. First, your teeth and gums should be in good oral health. Second, if you are having a cosmetic procedure like dental veneers placed on your front teeth or a tooth capped or replaced, you should have your teeth whitened first. For the most part, dental restorations are both stain and bleach resistant. They are created to match your surrounding teeth so if you wait to have your teeth whitened until after a restoration has been placed, your restoration could look more yellow than your teeth do after the whitening treatment. When it comes to teeth whitening, timing is critical for ensuring a beautiful smile.
At Plunkett & Chaw Dental we welcome your questions. If you would like to learn more about teeth whitening at the dentist and what it can do for you, call 770-452-0222 to schedule an appointment to meet Dr. Lee W. Plunkett & Dr. Janice Chaw at our Dunwoody dental office.
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Definition of Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Bleachorexia
Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Dentin Hypersensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound in teeth whitening solutions that patients use to whiten the shade of their teeth.
Stained Dentin
Stained dentin can result from certain foods and beverages with a lack of proper brushing. Dental professionals can provide whitening treatments to brighten the teeth.
Surface Teeth Stains
While surface teeth stains can be inevitable with age, certain foods and beverages will only promote discoloration and faded teeth.
Carbamide Peroxide
Carbamide peroxide is a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide and can help to whiten teeth.
Deeper Teeth Stains
Deeper teeth stains are stains that require professional oral health services and can result from certain foods, beverages or improper oral hygiene.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Relief ACP
Relief ACP stands for amorphous calcium phosphate, which helps to relieve the pain in sensitive teeth in a gel form.
Surface Enamel
The surface enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the dentin and pulp of the teeth. The enamel is the surface that people see when one smiles.
Teeth Whitening Concentrate
Teeth whitening concentrate is the bleaching agent that whitens the shade of teeth, which is more effective from a professional and not a general store product.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015
About our business and website security
- Plunkett & Chaw Dental was established in 1978.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: DeKalb County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Doraville, Roswell, Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Decatur, Perimeter, Lithonia, Clarkston, Avondale Estates and Brookhaven
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