Tooth Whitening Dentist

Tooth Whitening Cary, NC

Professional teeth whitening in Cary, NC is growing in popularity among our patients at Alliance Dentistry. It’s popular for many reasons, but those who are unfamiliar with the process may have questions. If the below overview does not address your questions and concerns, feel free to contact us. The teeth whitening treatment that we offer at our office in Cary, NC is safe and effective. A more beautiful smile can also enhance one’s self-esteem and boost confidence.

What to Know

The teeth whitening treatment our dentists perform at Alliance Dentistry in Cary, NC is very safe, but patients should be prepared to not drink extremely hot or cold foods and beverages immediately afterward. This is because tooth hypersensitivity and gum irritation can occur for a short time following the procedure. The initial treatment by our dental professionals will likely entail several visits over a period of up to six weeks.

The First Step: A Teeth Cleaning

Before the teeth whitening treatment begins at our Cary, NC office, you will undergo a teeth cleaning performed by one of our dental professionals. Depending on the state of your oral health, the cleaning may also include removal of plaque and tartar. If you have any cavities, they will be filled. In short, your teeth must be optimally prepared in advance of the teeth whitening process.

The Second Step: Creating a Custom Mold of Your Mouth

In order to provide you with a custom-fitted whitening tray following the procedure, one of our dental professionals will create a mold of your mouth. This will allow you to continue treatments at home after the teeth whitening treatment you receive in our Cary, NC office is completed. Our dentist from Alliance Dentistry will provide you with a prescription for a peroxide based solution for your personal use. This will be stronger than non-prescription options that are available over the counter.

The Third Step: The Teeth Whitening Procedure

To protect your gums from the bleaching agent, you will have a rubber shield placed over them. The bleaching agent will be wiped off after ten to 45 minutes, then a fresh application of bleaching agent will remove an additional layer of tooth stain. The whitening agent that your dentist uses is usually much stronger than what you can purchase over the counter as part of home whitening kits. A stronger agent allows for significantly shorter treatment times. If your teeth suffer from particularly difficult stains, such as nicotine, it may be necessary to extend the number of treatments.

The Fourth Step: Argon or UV Laser

When undergoing teeth whitening treatment at our Cary, NC office, your dentist may opt to use an argon or UV laser. This may or may not be necessary, so be sure to ask your dentist if it will enhance your treatment.

Coffee, tea, soda, smoking, and other lifestyle choices can lead to yellow and brown stains on the teeth, which is why you may be looking for tooth whitening in Cary, NC. A tooth whitening dentist in Cary, North Carolina from Alliance Dentistry knows that as the years go by, and you continue to make these choices, your teeth will start to lose their natural white or ivory color. Perhaps you’ve been looking at recent pictures and notice this discoloration. Thankfully, this is not a serious issue and can be fixed through a Cary, NC tooth whitening procedure. 

Teeth whitening procedures include a special concentrated substance that can be applied to your teeth in a few different ways. Depending on the dentist you choose and your preferences and budget, you can decide which one is best for you. 

If you’re interested in getting your teeth whitened right away, please call our office.

How Teeth Whitening Works

As your dentist will explain to you, there are two primary ways to make your teeth more white. These include at home treatments and in office procedures.

At Home Whitening Treatment.

If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, you will first need to visit your dentist where an impression of your mouth will be made. After this, a custom tray will be designed for you. In a short time, the tray and a gel will be given to you and every day the gel should be placed into your tray and worn for a period of time. This time can vary from 20 minutes to 3 or 4 hours or more. 

Pros and Cons of At Home Whitening Treatment

• Pro: It is cheaper than in-office teeth whitening
• Pro: The tray can be made in one visit
• Pro: It is a gentle form of teeth whitening
• Con: It takes longer to notice a difference
• Con: The trays may be slightly uncomfortable

In-Office Whitening Treatment. This is a North Carolina tooth whitening procedure that will be performed by your dentist. There are a few different in-office procedures, but each one can whiten your teeth in one visit. 

Pros and Cons of In-Office Whitening Treatment

• Pro: You will notice an immediate difference in the color of your teeth
• Pro: You do not have to wear any trays
• Pro: You can control the desired shade
• Con: It is more expensive that at home treatment
• Con: You may feel some teeth sensitivity at first

Teeth Whitening By Laser

Laser teeth whitening has become one of the most popular ways to whiten teeth. Using bleaching agents placed onto the teeth, a laser will be used to activate the agents, thereby, producing almost immediate results. A dentist will ask you to wear eyewear at the time of the laser teeth whitening. The procedure takes around one hour and you’re encouraged to bring along your favorite music or podcast to listen to. In general, laser teeth whitening can produce effects that are 6-12 shades lighter. The treatment lasts between 6 months and 2 years depending on what foods you consume, whether you smoke, and how well you take care of your teeth. 

Are You Ready to Have Whiter Teeth?

If you would like to learn more about tooth whitening Cary, NC residents trust, call Alliance Dentistry today!

Understanding Teeth Whitening And Its Impact On Past Dental Work

Cary, NC teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that many individuals turn to for a brighter, more confident smile. However, it’s important to consider how whitening treatments can affect existing dental work. At Alliance Dentistry, we strive to provide our patients with comprehensive care, including guidance on maintaining the integrity and appearance of all dental restorations. As a husband and wife dental team, we care about the oral health of our family and of each of our patients, so know that you are getting a team that is committed to helping you every step of the way.

The Nature Of Dental Restorations

Dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and fillings, are crafted from materials designed to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. These materials, including porcelain, composite resin, and ceramic, are chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities. However, unlike natural tooth enamel, these materials do not respond to whitening agents in the same way. This difference in reaction can lead to uneven coloring if whitening treatments are not carefully managed.

Whitening Natural Teeth Vs. Dental Restorations

When you undergo a Cary tooth whitening treatment, the bleaching agents work by penetrating the porous surface of the enamel, breaking down stains and discoloration. Dental restorations, on the other hand, have a non-porous surface, making them resistant to the effects of whitening agents. As a result, while your natural teeth may become several shades lighter, your dental restorations will remain the same color, potentially leading to a mismatched appearance.

Addressing Mismatched Shades

We often encounter patients concerned about achieving a uniform look after whitening. If you have existing dental work and are considering teeth whitening, it is essential to discuss this with your dentist. One approach to addressing mismatched shades is to whiten your natural teeth first and then replace or adjust the color of your restorations to match your new tooth shade. This process ensures that your smile appears cohesive and natural.

Timing And Sequencing Of Treatments

For those planning both dental restorations and whitening treatments, the sequencing of these procedures is crucial. We recommend whitening your teeth before receiving any permanent restorations. This way, we can match the new restorations to your whitened teeth, ensuring a consistent color across your smile. If you already have restorations and wish to whiten your teeth, it may be necessary to consider updating your restorations post-whitening to maintain uniformity.

Professional Guidance And Customized Care

Each patient’s dental needs and cosmetic goals are unique. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional guidance when considering teeth whitening, especially if you have had extensive dental work. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that address your specific circumstances. We take into account the type and extent of your restorations, your desired shade of whiteness, and the overall health of your teeth and gums.

If you want teeth whitening services in Cary, NC after Braces, call Alliance Dentistry. Braces are a popular choice for both adults and children who want correctly aligned teeth and an appealing smile. Well-aligned teeth help to promote optimal chewing action and correct chewing action can prevent premature and abnormal tooth wear. It also decreases the risk of tooth injuries and traumas, which could be costly to fix. Metal braces have been the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment for decades. 

When your braces come off, you likely want to see a straight, glistening smile. But, if you don’t take precautions over the months of treatment, you may find that your teeth are somewhat discolored around the areas where your brackets were located. At Alliance Dentistry, we want to help you understand how teeth get yellow with braces so you can take steps to avoid this pitfall. Teeth yellowing during braces is avoidable, but our Cary, North Carolina teeth whitening services can help you.

 Why Do Teeth Get Discolored with Braces?

Tooth discoloration after braces is a common concern among patients. However, braces themselves do not directly cause stained teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup, difficulty brushing, and eating specific foods all contribute stained teeth. Proper care of braces is vital to your oral health as well. 

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Discolored teeth are frequently caused by the accumulation of plaque in teeth crevices. Plaque forms on teeth from eating and drinking. Plaque buildup contributes to minerals being leached from the teeth. Teeth with the minerals removed can reflect light and appear as unsightly white spots on the teeth. Plaque increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay as well. If not cleaned away, plaque can harden into tartar, which can easily stain teeth yellow or brown.

Braces can affect your oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is a critical prevention method against plaque and tartar buildup. Patients wearing braces should brush and rinse after a meal and floss daily as well. Although braces can make teeth cleaning tasks challenging, it is essential to establish a diligent oral hygiene routine. Brackets and wires can interfere with brushing your teeth thoroughly and effective flossing can take time and skill. Patients should continue to get professional dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment. If you are not happy with the color of your teeth after braces, call us to discuss teeth whitening Cary, NC residents rely on.

Teeth Whitening After Braces

Discolored teeth can be a concern for some patients, and professional whitening can help to restore a bright, white smile. Whiten the teeth after braces, rather than before. Teeth whitening before braces may result in uneven shading where brackets and wires sit, and from the teeth shifting. It is often recommended that patients wait about six months after their braces are taken off to undergo a professional teeth whitening process. 

One reason for this is that the teeth may still be sensitive in the months following braces removal. Second, the impact of a patient’s saliva on the teeth may be enough to reduce the intensity of discolorations and shading differences after braces are removed. If six months pass and your teeth are still looking stained or discolored, teeth whitening can be a viable option.

Call About Our Cary, NC Teeth Whitening Services!

There are numerous benefits to orthodontic treatments such as braces. To learn more information about braces, keeping teeth white during and after braces, and other orthodontic procedures, contact the professionals at Alliance Dentistry for your Cary, NC teeth whitening needs!   

What Is the Best Method for Tooth Whitening in Cary, North Carolina?

Many people want a whiter smile, but with so many whitening products on the market, it is difficult to find which product is best for you. Everyone’s needs are different, but when searching for the best bleaching agent for your teeth, look for something that is approved by a reputable dental organization or seek the advice of your dentist or hygienist. Find a product that is not damaging for your teeth while still providing lasting results.

Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips can be sold over-the-counter or through your dental office at a higher concentration. These products are not custom made, so the fit on your teeth may not be perfect. However, this seems to be a less expensive option for those wanting to try teeth whitening without breaking the bank.

Custom Bleaching Trays for Tooth Whitening

Your Cary, NC dentist or hygienist may be able to fabricate custom whitening trays for you to wear at home or to sleep in. These trays are made from impressions of your teeth, so they have a customized fit. Although this is a more expensive option, it could be more economical in the long run; you can reuse the bleaching trays many times and buy more whitening agent as needed.

Professional Whitening Systems

Many dental offices, such as Alliance Dentistry in Cary, NC, provide in-house tooth whitening services. These bleaching systems are faster-acting and give more noticeable results after one treatment. Although this is usually the most expensive option, it can be great for someone with a big event coming up, such as a wedding.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste does not do as good of a job at whitening the inside part of the tooth as other whitening products, but can be a great adjunct treatment for removing surface stains. Using whitening toothpaste after a professional whitening treatment can be helpful to maintain results between bleaching sessions.

Limitations to Bleaching

While achieving a whiter smile is possible for many people, there are limitations to tooth whitening treatments. If you have a stain that is deep within the tooth, traditional bleaching options may not work. In these cases, your doctor may recommend full coverage crowns or veneers.

Choosing to whiten your teeth is a great way to boost your self-confidence and restore a smile that has been damaged by stains. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, talk to your dentist at your next cleaning appointment to see which product would be right for your needs. With all the tooth whitening options available in Cary, NC, you can be smiling brighter in no time.

Contact a Dentist in Cary, NC for the Best Teeth Whitening

Both tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are typically temporary and disappear once treatment is halted. Interested in this treatment? Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with Alliance Dentistry for the best in teeth whitening Cary NC has to offer!