Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions
Teeth whitening is easily the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment we offer at Strohman Dental. Many of those patients who ask about professional teeth whitening have already tried a variety of ineffective store bought teeth whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and mouthwashes, or the even more dubious DIY whitening “hacks.” We recommend patients consult with our team before attempting any at-home oral health care treatments. If you want to learn more about teeth whitening or other treatment options, contact our friendly team to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation in our Wichita Falls dental office. We’ll examine your smile and help you determine whether or not teeth whitening is the best cosmetic solution to meet your smile goals.
Causes of Dental Discoloration
Teeth whitening will not be effective for all dental discoloration. That’s why it’s so important for patients to work with professionals to create personalized cosmetic treatment plans. Our team will begin your teeth whitening plan by helping you determine the underlying cause of your tooth discoloration. Some of the common causes of dental discoloration include:
- Consumption of darkly colored foods and drinks
- Smoking or tobacco usage
- Aging or enamel wear revealing the yellow dentin layers of teeth
- Genetically, some people have darker tooth coloring
- Fluorosis and hypermineralization may lead to brighter white spots on teeth
- Consumption of tetracycline medications can lead to dark banding on teeth
The Venus White Pro System
At Strohman Dental, we use the Venus White Pro take-home teeth whitening system. We begin by crafting application trays that fit your specific teeth. Then, we provide professional grade teeth whitening gel. You simply need to wear the application trays with the whitening gel for 45 minutes to an hour. Most patients achieve their desired results after about two weeks of these daily applications. To maintain the flawless results, you’ll need to complete touch up applications a few times each year.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Compared with store bought teeth whitening kits and DIY whitening tricks, professional teeth whitening offers a number of benefits, including:
- Predictable results up to ten shades brighter. Unlike treatments performed without a dentist’s recommendation, you know you’ll receive your desired results with professional treatments.
- You are much less likely to unintentionally damage your teeth and soft tissues when you perform teeth whitening treatments with the guidance of a knowledgeable, professional dental team.
- A professional treatment plan can take into account the common side effects of teeth whitening like dental sensitivity. We can include treatments to counteract tooth sensitivity as part of your professional whitening plan.
- You won’t waste time and money on whitening treatments that won’t work for you if your tooth discoloration is not caused by staining.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening in Wichita Falls can turn back the clock by getting your teeth significantly whiter. However, it’s normal to have some concerns before you’re ready to get started. Dr. Shelly Strohman will explain everything during your consultation. You can also find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below or contact our office to speak with a member of our dental team.
Does Teeth Whitening Make Your Teeth Sensitive?
Teeth whitening shouldn’t cause tooth sensitivity if your mouth is healthy and you space out whitening treatments, including using OTC products. Dr. Strohman will examine your mouth to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If she finds anything concerning, it will need to be addressed before moving forward with teeth whitening. Let her know if you’re prone to sensitivity. She can cater your treatment to your comfort needs. Dr. Strohman may recommend specialty toothpaste to block any pain signals before your appointment. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?
Whitening treatments will not harm your enamel if your teeth are healthy and when under the supervision of a dentist. However, overusing bleaching agents can weaken your enamel over time. It’s best to consult with a dentist before using any whitening system, including kits available over-the-counter. Only use whitening products as instructed by the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Unlike your enamel, dental restorations aren’t porous, so whitening products won’t have any effect on their color. Your natural teeth will get whiter, but your crown will stay the same color, which can cause it to stand out. Not to mention, whitening ingredients can weaken the dental cement holding your crown in place over time. Don’t worry, your cosmetic dentist in Wichita Falls can ensure seamless results with a personalized treatment plan.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening results can last for several months or years. Many factors can affect the duration of your results. You can keep your smile at its brightest with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily. Limit your consumption of any foods or drinks that can discolor your teeth. If it can stain a white t-shirt, it can stain your enamel. Don’t smoke or use tobacco to prevent tar and nicotine stains. Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Dr. Stroham can also provide you with a touch-up kit to maintain your results.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for Teeth Whitening?
Dental insurance only pays for elective services if they are medically necessary. Therefore, it’s not likely your benefits will cover any of the costs for teeth whitening; however, your benefits may cover other aspects of your treatment plan, like a dental cleaning or filling. Dr. Stroham accepts many payment methods to keep a beautiful smile affordable, like third-party financing. You can make monthly payments on any out-of-pocket costs, based on your credit approval.