Professional teeth whitening is an easy and effective solution if you want a radiant, confident-boosting smile. There are many benefits to professional tooth whitening, setting it apart from the many over-the-counter alternatives available. Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, both in-office and at-home options that provide professional results.
A whiter, healthy-looking smile can be a game-changer. Whether you’re heading for a job interview or preparing for your wedding day, teeth whitening is a way to boost your confidence and make a lasting impression.
For a limited time, we are offering teeth whitening for $275. Please call our office at 972-848-8745 to schedule and learn more.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a professional cosmetic dentistry procedure performed by or overseen by a dentist. The goal of the treatment is to lighten the color of your teeth, which will naturally enhance your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Dr. Angela Jones Gray offers two types of professional teeth whitening: in-office and at-home.
Why Choose Professional Whitening Over Store-Bought Whitening Methods?
Walking into a store, you see the shelves flooded with teeth-whitening kits and products. However, several things set these products apart from professional teeth whitening. It is tempting to buy them since they are cheap and available, but professional teeth whitening offers more benefits.
Efficiency
Professional teeth whitening procedures use higher-concentration bleaching gels to yield faster and more effective results than over-the-counter products. They are more effective and will make your teeth whiter and brighter faster. Store-bought products are less effective, and you may need more money for the same results.
Customized Treatment
Dentists can tailor the whitening procedure to your needs, ensuring optimal results while minimizing sensitivity. This will ensure that your dentist addresses your specific concerns. Store-bought products are one-size-fits-all and may not provide the desired results.
Safety
Dental professionals oversee or perform professional whitening treatments. They can monitor you during the process and ensure your gums and oral tissues are protected. If necessary, they can adjust the strength of the whitening agents to ensure optimal results without causing harm. You take the risk of using store-bought products incorrectly, which may lead to gum sensitivity and uneven results.
Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers two types of teeth whitening. We offer an in-office treatment and a treatment that you can do from the comforts of your own home.
In-office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening involves applying a high-concentration peroxide gel to the teeth after protecting the gums. The results are immediate and impressive. We offer the Zoom! tooth whitening system, one of the most popular methods of tooth whitening today. It uses a special light to activate the peroxide gel, resulting in brighter teeth in one session.
The Zoom! teeth whitening process is simple. Dr. Gray will first prepare your mouth by covering up your lips and gums in your tongue. Next, they will apply the whitening gel to your teeth. Then, they will activate the gel with a special Zoom! light that will accelerate the whitening process. This cycle is repeated three times and lasts about 15 minutes each.
At-home Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening, supervised by a dentist, offers professional results without the commitment of in-office treatments. It is ideal for busy patients who want to whiten their teeth at home. Our Flower Mound dental office offers Opalescence Go, a whitening kit with pre-filled disposable trays. This treatment is flexible and comfortable for patients who want whiter teeth.
To use Opalescence Go, open the pre-packaged upper and lower tray. Each one is pre-filled with a whitening gel. Place them on your teeth and gently bite down, or press the tray against them to secure it and spread the gel evenly. The outer tray will peel away, leaving the inner tray to whiten your teeth.
Follow directions from your dentist on how long to wear them and for how many days in a row. Remove the trays after the recommended wear time, and rinse your mouth to remove any remaining gel. Clean your teeth gently to remove all the gel.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are several reasons why teeth change color, and understanding the causes can help you prevent or treat discoloration. Tooth discoloration can be divided into two types: external (staining from the outside) and internal (staining from within the tooth).
External Causes of Tooth Discoloration
External discoloration happens when stains build up on the surface of your teeth. Food, drinks, and lifestyle habits usually cause these stains. Some of the most common external causes of tooth discoloration include:
-
Food and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks can stain teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and soda are well-known culprits. These drinks contain pigments that can stick to your enamel and leave stains over time. Other foods like berries, soy sauce, and curries can stain your teeth if you eat them often.
-
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to yellow or brown stains on your teeth. The chemicals in tobacco products can stick to your teeth and cause long-lasting discoloration. This staining is often difficult to remove with regular brushing.
-
Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can trap food particles and stains, making your teeth look dull or discolored. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque and prevent it from turning into tartar, which can cause even more staining.
Internal Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Internal discoloration occurs when the color change happens inside the tooth itself. This discoloration is usually harder to fix and may require dental treatment. Some common causes of internal discoloration include:
-
Aging: As you age, your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) naturally wears down. As the enamel thins, the yellowish dentin beneath it becomes more visible. This makes your teeth look more yellow over time.
-
Medications: Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline, if taken at a young age, can discolor teeth. Some antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs can also cause changes in tooth color.
-
Trauma or Injury: If you have a tooth that has been injured, the internal structure of the tooth can change. This may cause the tooth to darken, often turning gray or brown. The discoloration happens when the blood vessels inside the tooth are damaged, leading to internal bleeding and a change in the tooth’s color.
-
Fluorosis: This occurs when a child gets too much fluoride during their early years, when their teeth are still developing. Too much fluoride can cause white or brown spots to form on the teeth. While fluoride is good for preventing cavities, too much fluoride can have this unwanted side effect.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Why do my teeth discolor after dental trauma?
Teeth can discolor after dental trauma because the injury affects the inside of the tooth. When a tooth is hit or damaged, the blood vessels inside it might break, causing bleeding inside the tooth. This can make the tooth turn dark, gray, or even yellow. Sometimes, the tooth’s nerve can die after trauma, which also causes discoloration.
What are my options if teeth whitening doesn’t work?
If teeth whitening doesn’t work for you, don’t worry—you have other options to improve your smile. One option is dental bonding, where your dentist applies a tooth-colored material to cover up stains.
Another option is veneers, thin shells placed over the front of your teeth to make them look whiter and more even. Crowns are also a solution if you need to cover a tooth completely. Our dentist can help you decide which option is best for you based on your needs.
Can medications darken teeth?
Yes, some medications can darken your teeth. Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, and medications for high blood pressure or allergies can cause tooth discoloration. If your teeth become darker after starting a new medication, let our dentist know. He can help you find ways to improve their color and discuss possible alternatives with your doctor if needed.
Why do some foods and drinks stain teeth?
Some foods and drinks stain teeth because they have strong colors or acids that can stick to them. Things like coffee, tea, red wine, and some berries have dark pigments that can get into the tiny pores of your teeth and cause stains. Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits or soda, can also weaken the enamel, making it easier for stains to stick. Over time, these stains can build up and make your teeth look discolored.
Does take-home or in-office teeth whitening cost more?
In-office teeth whitening usually costs more than take-home teeth whitening. It is done by a dentist and uses stronger whitening agents, which can give you quicker and more noticeable results. Take-home kits are less expensive and involve using whitening trays or strips at home over a longer period. The choice between them depends on your budget and how quickly you want to see results.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results can last 6 or more months, depending on the type. Your habits and oral health care can also ensure the longevity of your results.
The results can last longer if you avoid foods and drinks that stain and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Regular dental checkups and cleanings also help keep your teeth looking white. If needed, touch-up treatments can extend the effects of whitening.
How do you keep teeth white?
Follow these tips to keep your teeth bright and white:
- Brush and floss every day
- Visit the dentist every six months for regular cleanings
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, like wine, coffee, tea, berries, and tomato sauces
- Minimize the consumption of acidic foods and drinks that can wear teeth down
- Drink water daily
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Does teeth whitening hurt your tooth enamel?
When done properly, teeth whitening is generally safe and doesn’t hurt tooth enamel. Whitening products are designed to be gentle on teeth. However, some people might experience discomfort, especially with sensitive teeth. Follow the instructions carefully and talk to us if you have concerns.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Flower Mound, TX
While DIY whitening kits might seem tempting with their lower prices, professional teeth whitening in Flower Mound, TX, is safer and more effective. To book a consultation with Dr. Gray, call 972-848-8745. You can also request an appointment by filling out the online form.
If you have questions about brightening your smile, please let us know. We’re here to help.