Teeth Whitening – Charlotte, NC
Remove Stains to Make Your Smile Sparkle
One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and having bright, white teeth is considered incredibly appealing. However, years of consuming darkly pigmented foods and drinks can leave them looking lackluster. If your grin looks more yellow or brown, our dentists at Holt Family Dentistry can remove stains to make your smile sparkle. Whether you prefer an in-office visit or a personalized take-home kit, we offer professional teeth-whitening services to enhance your appearance.
Continue reading below to learn more about how the process works, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
Why Choose Holt Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Skilled Dentists With 20+ Years of Experience
- Professional-Grade Materials for Optimal Results
- Take-Home Kits with Customized Application Trays
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Although teeth whitening is considered one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade your grin, it’s not right for everyone. There are different types of dental stains, and some are more easily removed than others.
Extrinsic stains exist on the outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel. They happen when pigmented ingredients from the foods you eat cling to plaque or residue buildup. This discoloration can usually be addressed with topical whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains that exist in the lower layers of your teeth, such as dentin, can’t be remedied the same way.
If you’re not sure whether you’re a viable candidate for this treatment, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
You might wonder how teeth whitening can lighten your grin, especially if you’ve tried over-the-counter strips without success. While several over-the-counter products can potentially remove surface stains, many patients struggle to obtain the perfect shade. You might not be able to get the results you’re looking for without professional intervention.
Our team has two different ways to give you a sparkling smile, which are outlined in more detail below.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all strips or applicator trays that are included in commercially available kits, our team can give you a customized set that’s created to fit your teeth like a glove for optimal application. We’ll also include professional-grade gels that minimize sensitivity so you can comfortably achieve the ideal color in as little as two weeks, all from the comfort of your own home.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you want a brighter smile with less wait time, then you could benefit from an in-office whitening procedure. We’ll apply a top-quality gel and then use a special ultraviolet light to expedite the whitening process. You can gain a visibly whiter smile in a single, hour-long appointment, making this an excellent option if you have an important upcoming event.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Once you’ve achieved your ideal shade, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to keep the results as long as possible. To maintain your lighter teeth, you can try:
- Eating white dairy products (like milk and yogurt) to keep them strong and stain-free.
- Investing in occasional touch-ups as necessary.
- Avoiding dark foods and drinks like berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas.
- Consistently brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque residue.
- Schedule a checkup and professional cleaning with our team every 6 months.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What Should I Eat Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
It’s best to avoid beets, tomato soup, and other dark-colored foods, especially in the hours immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. Instead, do your best to stick to cottage cheese, bananas, plain yogurt, and the like since they won’t cause stubborn stains to resurface. You should also opt for room-temperature water since it will help prevent food particles from clinging to your teeth and won’t exacerbate any sensitivity that you’re experiencing.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?
Usually, dental insurance providers only cover “medically necessary” treatments. As a result, patients typically have to pay for the cost of teeth whitening out of pocket. The good news is that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to make the price more budget-friendly. Quite the opposite, thanks to CareCredit! They offer several convenient payment plans, which allow patients to break up the cost into smaller, more budget-friendly chunks over the course of several months. If you’d like to learn more on the topic, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our cosmetic dentist in Charlotte!
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, the results will not last forever. With that said, there are a few steps you can take to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing quickly, like using a straw when drinking coffee and brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening. Plus, when a yellow hue eventually does start to resurface, you can get in touch with us to schedule a touch-up whitening treatment!
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
While take-home treatments usually take about two weeks to deliver the full results, in-office ones often lighten a patient’s teeth by eight shades in a single visit. It’s important to note, however, that there are other factors that will impact how long it takes to achieve the results you desire. For example, if we determine that you have a cavity or gum disease during your initial consultation, then we will need time to provide the restorative care that you need. That’s why it’s so important not to wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment!
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are actually a few noteworthy differences between the two, starting with the fact that professional treatments consider the cause of the stains, how severe they are, and if you have any existing dental fillings, crowns, or veneers. Additionally, the in-office and take-home treatments that we offer include professional-grade brightening products that deliver gorgeous results without compromising the health of your teeth or gums. Store-bought kids, on the other hand, contain diluted ones that struggle to deliver noticeable results.