TEETH WHITENING & BLEACHING
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with simply bleaching. Dental bleaching can be used to correct tooth discoloration. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that gently removes stains and discoloration from the surfaces of your teeth, giving you a brighter, healthier-looking smile. It’s one of the quickest, most effective, and affordable ways to enhance your appearance—whether you’re dealing with stubborn coffee stains, the natural effects of aging, or discoloration from daily habits.
There are a variety of whitening options available, from convenient over-the-counter products to professional treatments that can deliver dramatic results in just a single visit. No matter your lifestyle or the source of discoloration, there’s likely a whitening solution that can help you achieve your best smile.
In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a try.
With any bleaching, it is recommended to incorporate desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinse in your home care.
What are my dental bleaching options?
- Over-the-counter whitening products
- Over-the-counter whitening strips
- Custom Bleaching trays with dental bleach
- In-office Bleaching
When you’re looking to brighten your smile, it helps to know the differences between these options. Let’s break them down a bit further:
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
These include whitening toothpastes, rinses, and gels you can find at most drugstores. They’re budget-friendly and easy to use, but results can be modest and take a while to show. These whitening products offer gradual improvements but may not tackle deeper stains.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a popular DIY option. They’re convenient and can lift surface stains over a week or two. However, they may cause sensitivity and results can vary, sometimes leaving uneven shades if not used carefully.
Custom Bleaching Trays with Dental Bleach
Custom trays made by your dentist offer a more tailored approach. The trays are fitted to your teeth and used with professional-grade bleaching gel. This method balances effectiveness and convenience, providing more even, noticeable results while minimizing gum irritation.
In-Office Bleaching
For those seeking the fastest and most dramatic change, in-office bleaching is hard to beat. Dentists use stronger whitening agents, sometimes paired with LED or laser light technology, to brighten your teeth several shades in one visit, often in under an hour. This option is carefully monitored for safety and can be adjusted to minimize sensitivity.
Each method comes with its own benefits and considerations. Over-the-counter options are accessible and easy, but professional treatments—either at home with custom trays or in the dental office—tend to deliver quicker, more reliable results, especially for stubborn stains. If you’re unsure which path is best for your smile, ask your dentist to help you choose the safest and most effective option for your needs.
I want to bleach my teeth. What do you recommend?
Everyone’s teeth respond differently to bleaching. It is important to determine if your teeth will respond to bleaching before making a large investment.
Custom Trays with dental bleach is a great option for patients who do not like whitening strips or the length of time required for results. Trays are made custom to you and are more comfortable and easier to wear. The dental bleach, only sold in dental offices, also comes in a higher concentration than you are able to purchase over the counter, which may result in a whiter, brighter smile in a shorter period of time.
Professional-strength whitening agents used in these custom trays can deliver dramatic results, often whitening teeth several shades in just a short period. Many patients notice visible improvements after only a few uses. As these trays are tailored specifically to fit your teeth, they minimize contact with your gums and soft tissues, providing a safer and more comfortable bleaching experience compared to generic, one-size-fits-all products.
If you’re looking for a solution that’s both quick and effective, custom trays with professional dental bleach offer the reliability and comfort needed to achieve noticeable results safely and efficiently.
How do I get custom trays made?
It’s easy!!! We take impressions of your teeth, and in only a day or two, your custom bleaching trays will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you place into the trays and wear (follow instructions provided). When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile.
I don’t want to wear trays, can I get In-Office Bleaching?
Yes! It is important to know, even if you get in-office bleaching, take-home trays are still recommended to get the full effect and best results. It is also important to try home bleaching in some form prior to office bleaching in order to ensure your teeth will respond to bleach and NOT become sensitive. If you find that your teeth respond well to bleach, you experience little to no sensitivity, and you are not interested in wearing trays, please contact our office to discuss in-office bleaching.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
The longevity of your teeth whitening results depends on several factors, including the method you choose and your daily habits. In-office bleaching typically delivers brighter results that can last several months or even longer, especially if you follow recommendations for maintenance at home. Custom trays with dental bleach, when used as directed, can also give you lasting improvement, but occasional touch-ups are needed to keep your smile at its brightest.
It’s important to remember that what you eat and drink matters. Regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-colored foods can lead to staining and may shorten the time your teeth stay white. Smoking can also speed up discoloration.
To help your results last as long as possible:
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid or limit staining foods and beverages
- Use a straw for drinks that may stain
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings
With consistent care, your new, brighter smile can be maintained for a long time to come.
How does LED light technology enhance teeth whitening results?
LED light technology has become a popular addition to professional teeth whitening treatments, and for good reason. This innovative approach works by activating the whitening gel applied to your teeth, speeding up the bleaching process and helping you achieve visible results more quickly, often in as little as a single session.
The light used in these treatments is specifically calibrated to maximize the effectiveness of the whitening solution, making it possible to lighten teeth by several shades in just 30-60 minutes. Patients often choose LED light whitening when they want immediate, dramatic improvements, such as before a special occasion or event.
Some additional advantages of LED light-assisted whitening include:
- Reduced sensitivity: The technology is designed to minimize discomfort, so even those with sensitive teeth often tolerate the procedure well.
- Convenience: Results are noticeable after only one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments.
- Even whitening: The light helps the bleaching agent work uniformly, resulting in a consistent, streak-free smile.
As always, we recommend consulting your dentist to determine if this method is right for your specific needs and to ensure optimal safety throughout the process.
Teeth Whitening in Middle TN
Ready to brighten your smile? Our gentle, professional teeth bleaching services can help you achieve a whiter, more confident smile in just one visit. Schedule your appointment today with our friendly team at Snodgrass-King Family Dentistry in Middle TN and see the difference a brighter smile can make in your daily life!