A brighter smile can go a long way toward helping you look and feel your best, and teeth whitening remains one of the fastest ways to get there. It is a widely used, budget-friendly cosmetic dental treatment, and professional-grade products typically deliver quick, noticeable results. Teeth whitening is not a one-time, permanent fix, but you can maintain your results afterward with at-home touch-up products. Keep reading to learn about the teeth whitening options and services available to you.
In-Office Zoom! Teeth Whitening in Huntersville
Our dental team at The Smile Architects performs in-office Zoom! teeth whitening, a treatment that typically takes under an hour from start to finish. Many patients schedule this treatment right after, or within a few days of, a professional cleaning.
Before your treatment begins, we cover your gums and lips, then apply the Zoom! gel to your teeth. A special light activates the gel and breaks down surface stains, and this can be repeated for up to three sessions. Between each round under the light, our team checks your progress and adjusts the lamp or gel as needed. Once your third session is complete, a protective paste is applied to your teeth, and you leave our office with a noticeably brighter, whiter smile.
KöR Take-Home Whitening System
Patients with sensitive teeth may be better candidates for the KöR take-home whitening system, the first whitening system to use refrigerated gels. Choosing this system means combining an in-office treatment with ongoing gel treatments at home. The KöR system can take longer to whiten your teeth, but it is associated with longer-lasting results in many cases. This approach also tends to work particularly well for patients with discoloration caused by tetracycline stains.
Take-Home Professional Whitening Trays and Gel
A third option is professional-grade whitening gel paired with custom trays. This approach tends to outperform whiteners you can buy in stores and is simple to use at home. Your dentist will typically have you wear the trays for fifteen minutes, twice a day, and most patients see results within about 10 days.
Mild tooth sensitivity is common while your teeth are being whitened, and this is generally not a cause for concern, since all ADA-approved whitening products are considered safe to use. That said, a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth can help ease any discomfort after treatment. During this period, try to avoid very cold, acidic, or hot foods and beverages. In most cases, any sensitivity resolves within just a few days.
How to Help Your Whitening Results Last
Whitened teeth can still develop new stains over time, so keeping a few habits in mind can help you hold onto your results for longer.
- Limit coffee, tea, and red wine
- Skip smoking and vaping
- Keep up with regular brushing and flossing
- Reach for a touch-up kit when needed
- Schedule a dental cleaning and exam twice a year
Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry in Huntersville
The Smile Architects in Huntersville offers a full range of cosmetic dentistry services. Beyond teeth whitening, our team also provides Invisalign, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, microabrasion, gum contouring, and the full scope of general dentistry care. Our practice has served the Huntersville community since 1982. Our skilled, compassionate team also offers restorative dentistry, including dental implants, crowns, fillings, inlays and onlays, bridges, and dentures. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at 704-875-1621.