Professional teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform your smile. Cosmetic teeth whitening procedures from our Asheville, NC dental office are quick, affordable and suitable for practically anyone. Teeth whitening can improve your self confidence and provide a more youthful smile.
Dr. Hoffert will recommend a teeth whitening treatment based on the cause of tooth discoloration. Patients will receive a comprehensive dental health exam to help patients restore the health and appearance of their smile for lasting results.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Your teeth can yellow, stain, or discolor from many factors. The most common causes of tooth staining include:
- Foods and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and berries, can leave stains on your teeth over time. These foods and drinks contain pigments that stick to the tooth. Acidic foods can also wear down enamel, or the layer on the outside of your teeth. Worn enamel exposes the underlayer, called dentin, which can make teeth look darker.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause brown or yellow stains that are difficult to remove. Nicotine and tar stick to the enamel, and over time, these stains become more noticeable. Even if you brush and floss every day, your teeth can stay yellow from nicotine
- Dental Trauma: If you injure a tooth, it may darken or turn gray. Trauma can affect the inner structure of the tooth and make it more prone to discoloration. A hit to a tooth, a cracked tooth, or a chipped tooth can discolor.
- Age: As we get older, the outer layer of enamel naturally wears away, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. Years of eating, drinking, and normal wear can make teeth appear darker.
By knowing what causes tooth discoloration, Dr. Hoffert can help you choose the right treatment. She’ll recommend professional whitening for surface stains. If you have stains from dental injuries or stains that don’t react to whitening, she may recommend bonding or porcelain veneers.
What to Expect with Teeth Whitening at Red Maple Dental
For most patients, we recommend at-home teeth whitening trays. First, you’ll visit Dr. Hoffert and discuss your smile goals. You can also choose between different strengths of whitening gel. Gel with a higher percentage of active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide can produce faster and more noticeable results, while a lower-strength gel may be gentler on sensitive teeth.
Dr. Hoffert will also take dental impressions of your teeth for your custom trays. She sends these impressions to a dental lab for a custom fit.
At your next visit, you’ll be given custom-made bleaching trays that fit the contours of your teeth. Dr. Hoffert will also provide you with the professional strength whitening gel used to gradually whiten teeth over several days or weeks. You’ll typically wear the whitening trays for a few hours each day or over night to break up stains and minimize discoloration.
Alternatives to Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening works well for most types of stains, but it may not be the best solution for everyone. Some stains, like those caused by antibiotics or certain medications, may not respond to whitening treatments.
If your teeth have this type of discoloration, Dr. Hoffert can recommend alternative cosmetic treatments. Options include veneers, which are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth, or tooth bonding, which uses a tooth-colored material to hide stains and improve the appearance of your smile.
These alternatives can provide a brighter, more even-looking smile without relying on bleaching agents. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, giving results that look natural and last for many years.
Why Choose Red Maple Dental?
With Red Maple Dental, you get personalized care, professional guidance, and a gentle approach. Your safety is your priority when we recommend cosmetic treatment.
We want every whitening treatment to be effective while protecting your teeth and gums. You can trust that Dr. Hoffert will recommend the best approach for your unique smile.
For patients who want to brighten their teeth slowly and safely, we recommend take-home whitening trays. You can use them when it’s convenient for you and gradually see your teeth become brighter.
Dr. Hoffert will take your sensitivity in mind when she recommends the strength of the whitening gels. Some gels work faster and give quicker results, while gentler gels are better for sensitive teeth. By choosing the right strength, we can make sure your whitening experience is safe, comfortable, and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about tooth whitening in Asheville, NC.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have braces or Invisalign?
Yes, but there are some things to keep in mind. If you have traditional braces, whitening is usually not recommended until after the braces are removed. This is because the brackets and wires can block the whitening gel, causing uneven results.
If you have Invisalign or clear aligners, you may be able to whiten your teeth while wearing the trays. Custom whitening gel can be placed in the aligners, which helps the gel touch all your teeth evenly. Dr. Hoffert can guide you on the best way to use whitening gel with your aligners to get safe and effective results.
Will bleaching make my teeth sensitive?
While our products are designed to minimize tooth sensitivity, it is normal to experience some mild sensitivity during treatment. Dr. Hoffert may recommend switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth during your treatment. Tooth sensitivity generally doesn’t last more than a few days.
What’s the difference between over-the-counter whitening products and professional bleaching?
Over-the-counter whitening strips, brush-on gels, and toothpastes take weeks, and sometimes months, to lighten teeth a few shades. In addition, these products often cause sensitivity to the gums and teeth. Professional bleaching trays are custom designed to fit over the teeth, ensuring even application of the bleaching solution. Our products are safe and will not harm the teeth or gums.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Get tooth whitening treatment in Asheville, NC. Call Red Maple Dental today at (828)-358-1925. Feel free to request an appointment with Dr. Hoffert online.