Everybody wants to look in the mirror and love the smile looking back at them. Often, that begins with bright white teeth. We offer in-office and at-home whitening solutions as part of our cosmetic dentistry offerings. Dr. Kevin Welinsky will work with you to create your dream smile with teeth whitening in our Towson, MD, dental office.
Common Causes of Tooth Stains
Tooth stains can happen to anyone and are usually caused by many things. The most common causes of tooth stains include:
- Food and Drinks: Many of the foods and beverages we consume can stain our teeth. Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can leave marks on teeth over time. Certain fruits, like blueberries and blackberries, and sauces, like soy sauce, can also contribute to stains.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is another major cause of tooth stains. Tobacco products contain substances that can stick to teeth and cause them to turn yellow or brown. Quitting tobacco can help improve your dental health and reduce staining.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed. Tartar can make teeth appear discolored and can lead to more serious dental issues.
- Aging: As we get older, our teeth can naturally become stained. The outer layer of enamel can wear down over time, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. This can make teeth look darker or more stained.
- Medications: Some medications can cause tooth discoloration. For example, antibiotics, like tetracycline, can stain teeth in children if taken during tooth development. Other medications, like high blood pressure drugs, can also affect tooth color.
- Fluoride Overexposure: Fluoride is essential for strong teeth. However, too much fluoride, especially during childhood, can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. This can cause white spots or brown stains on teeth.
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Towson, MD
The biggest benefit of getting your teeth whitened by a professional is Dr. Welinsky’s expertise. He knows how to identify what is causing your teeth to become discolored. Your treatment will always start with a thorough exam so he can figure out the exact cause of your stains.
Most stains are on the surface of the teeth. These are caused by the things we eat and drink, like coffee, tea, or red wine. Smoking or using tobacco can also cause these surface stains.
Sometimes, stains can come from inside the tooth, which makes them much more difficult to remove. These deep stains may not lighten significantly, even with professional whitening.
In some cases, a discolored tooth can be a warning sign of a more serious problem. A tooth that looks darker than the others might have decay or an issue from a old root canal. During your whitening consultation, Dr. Welinsky can spot these problems. This allows him to fix the actual issue with the tooth, rather than just trying to cover it up with a whitening treatment.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Compared to store-bought options, our whitening treatment provides custom care. Professional whitening treatment offers the following benefits.
The Safest Option
Dr. Welinsky and Dr. Bederson will examine your teeth to determine the cause of the discoloration. If they find that the stain is from an underlying issue that whitening can’t fix, they’ll tell you honestly. This honest advice can save you time, money, and disappointment from trying to achieve results that simply aren’t possible.
More importantly, it can protect your teeth. Trying to whiten teeth too often or with the wrong products can actually damage your enamel. Their expert guidance ensures you choose a safe and effective treatment for your smile.
Long-Lasting Results
Unlike store-bought whitening treatments, a professional whitening treatment from Dr. Welinsky and Dr. Bederson typically provides results that last a long time. Our dentists can also provide you with a take-home maintenance kit. This kit includes custom-fit trays and whitening gel to use at home. Our whitening kits help elongate the results from in-office treatments too.
Designed Just For You
Most whitening treatments, especially trays and strips, are sold as one-size-fits-all. In reality, these rarely fit the majority of users because each person’s smile is different in size and shape. Ill-fitting trays and strips are the biggest reason patients experience uneven whitening and sensitivity in the teeth and gums.
For the in-office whitening treatment, Dr. Welinsky and Dr. Bederson apply the gel onto each tooth. They evenly cover each tooth. These custom trays provide uniform application of the whitening treatment. They also protect the lips and gums from making contact with the gel.
Professional Strength
The whitening products sold in stores contain a small amount of whitening agent, usually around 3 percent peroxide. It may provide results for patients who have light stains on their teeth. However, it may not do much for those with severe or intrinsic stains. Most over-the-counter products will provide results one to two shades brighter.
The whitening gel Welinsky and Bederson use comes in a professional strength only available to dentists, with up to 35 percent peroxide strength. The gel can penetrate the enamel of your teeth to remove stubborn stains the store-bought kits cannot touch. Our professional treatment can whiten your teeth by up to ten shades in just one visit.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening in our Towson, MD dental office with answers to these common patient questions.
Is it bad to professionally whiten teeth?
No. In fact, getting your teeth whitened by a trained professional is the safest way to whiten your teeth. You can avoid issues with sensitivity and patchy results if you go to a professional instead of using over-the-counter products.
Why do my teeth look yellow after whitening?
Yellowness even after whitening is a sign that you have thing tooth enamel. This is something that happens as we age, but can also be an effect of other issues. If you have thin enamel, we offer whitening solutions like porcelain veneers that can cover your teeth and provide the shade of white you desire.
How long will my teeth stay white?
Factors like your eating, drinking, and lifestyle habits can all impact how long the effects of professional whitening lasts. It can range anywhere from 6 months to 2-3 years. We can also provide touch-up sessions so you can experience the effects longer.
How long does the in-office teeth whitening appointment take?
A typical in-office whitening session is convenient and usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. You can relax in the chair while the professional-strength gel works on your teeth. Many patients appreciate that they can get dramatic results in just one lunch-hour visit.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
It’s very common to experience some temporary tooth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment. This sensation typically fades within a day or two. Our dentists use desensitizing agents for sensitive teeth to help minimize any discomfort during this short period.
Are the custom take-home trays comfortable to wear?
Yes, the custom trays are made from a mold of your own teeth, so they fit your smile perfectly. This custom fit makes them much more comfortable than one-size-fits-all store-bought trays. They also hold the gel securely against your teeth without irritating your gums.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?
Whitening gel doesn’t change the color of existing dental work like crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, whitening your natural teeth could create a color mismatch. Our dentists can discuss alternative options, like replacing old restorations to match your new whiter shade for a uniform smile.
How soon after whitening can I drink coffee or red wine?
To protect your new bright smile, it’s best to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for at least the first 48 hours after your treatment. Your tooth enamel is slightly more porous immediately after whitening, making it more susceptible to new stains. After this period, you can enjoy these beverages in moderation. Using a straw can help reduce contact with your teeth.
Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
As a precaution, most dentists recommend postponing elective teeth whitening until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. While there’s no definitive evidence that it’s harmful, the effects of whitening agents on a developing baby or through breast milk have not been extensively studied. It’s always best to discuss any dental procedure with your dentist and obstetrician during this time.
Get a Brighter Smile at Sweet Tooth Dentistry
Do you want to lift years of tooth stains from your teeth? Call Sweet Tooth Dentistry for professional teeth whitening in Towson, MD, at 410-449-7656. You may also schedule an appointment with us online.
If you have questions about your options, let us know. We’re here to help you.