Teeth Whitening Options

Drinking coffee, tea, wine, and sodas can stain your teeth. And, as if you need another reason to quit, smoking discolors your teeth as well. Even the natural aging process can stain and darken your pearly whites. Whiter teeth can contribute to a more youthful, healthy smile. If you want to whiten your teeth, there are several things to take into consideration.

First, you need to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health—Dr. Davis will need to conduct a comprehensive oral exam of your teeth and gums to determine if you are a candidate for whitening. At this exam, she will talk with you about your oral hygiene and your lifestyle to help determine if you’ll benefit from whitening, then together you will decide which type of whitening treatment would suit best.

Next, it is recommended that you have a professional cleaning prior to any whitening treatments. If you are planning any dental cosmetic procedures, such as crowns, composite bonding, or veneers, Dr. Davis may recommend you do the whitening first because the materials used in these procedures do not whiten. By whitening first, she will be able to more closely match the color of the new materials and your whitened, natural dentition. Sometimes existing crowns are in need of replacement, so the doctor may recommend whitening before replacing the existing crown or bridge. It is recommended that whitening take place after braces are removed.

Please understand that not everyone will be a candidate for tooth whitening. It all depends on the health of your teeth and gums and your desired outcome for your smile.

We offer whitening in two forms, depending on the time and money you want to invest. For immediate results, we offer the popular ZOOM! system. ZOOM! is a two-hour chairside treatment that provides an average change of anywhere from 3 to 8 shades difference in one treatment appointment. ZOOM! does require some prep-work on your part. After Dr. Davis has determined you are a good candidate, and you both agree that ZOOM! is right for you, we take custom impressions of your mouth to make your touch-up maintenance trays. You will also be given a high-fluoride toothpaste to brush with for 2 weeks prior to your ZOOM! appointment. The high-fluoride content in the toothpaste helps with sensitivity you may feel during or after the ZOOM! application. At your ZOOM! appointment, we will apply special gel and use the ZOOM! light to activate the gel. You just sit back and relax. After the 2-hour chairside treatment, you will leave with your custom trays and a complimentary “touch up” whitening tube for home maintenance. You will see the difference immediately and you will leave with the tools necessary to help maintain your new, whiter smile.

If you prefer a gradual change, then our take-home whitening system is a good option. After Dr. Davis determines you are a good candidate, we take impressions for your custom trays. When your trays are ready, you will come in for a short appointment where we’ll give you a take-home whitening kit. This is a gel form that you use at night or a few hours during the day. As with the ZOOM! whitening, any existing restorations will not be whitened. Over the course of a few weeks, with regular use, you will achieve a whiter, brighter smile.

Call us today at 804-320-2009 to talk about the options and make an appointment. We are here for you!