Teeth whitening is the most economical way to makeover your smile for a confidence boost or a special occasion. The bright white smile you see in the mirror can often inspire you to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. One quick, painless teeth whitening treatment can take years off your appearance. Dr. Morgan Chambers offers in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening in Lexington, KY.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening in Lexington, KY
When whitening your teeth, you have two main options: professional teeth whitening at the dentist’s office or over-the-counter (OTC) products. Both can help brighten your smile, but professional whitening, one of our cosmetic dentistry services, has several advantages, making it the better choice for many people.
One of the biggest benefits of professional teeth whitening is that it is faster and more effective. Dentists use stronger whitening agents that can provide noticeable results in just one visit. Typically, it takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete the procedure, and your teeth can be several shades whiter by the end of the appointment. On the other hand, OTC whitening products, like strips or gels, take longer to show results. These products may need to be used for weeks before seeing any significant difference.
Another advantage of professional whitening is that it is customized to fit your needs. A dentist will assess your teeth and decide the best approach for you. They can protect your gums and other sensitive areas while applying the whitening solution, ensuring that you get the best results without irritation. With OTC products, you’re more likely to experience gum irritation or uneven results because the products are not tailored to your specific teeth.
Professional whitening is also safer. Dentists are trained to use whitening agents properly, reducing the risk of complications like tooth sensitivity or damage. While generally safe, OTC products can cause sensitivity or even harm your teeth if used incorrectly. Overuse or improper application of these products can damage enamel, making your teeth more prone to staining.
Lastly, professional whitening tends to last longer. Because of the stronger bleaching agents used in a dental office, your results may last anywhere from one to three years, depending on your lifestyle and habits. With OTC products, the effects may fade faster, especially if you consume foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee or red wine.
Teeth Whitening Video Testimonial
Dramatic Results With KöR Teeth Whitening
KöR Teeth Whitening treatment typically begins with a dental cleaning. We want a healthy oral foundation before using the bleaching agents to whiten your teeth. KöR is the only teeth whitening treatment that can effectively treat intrinsic tooth stains.
The unique refrigeration process for the KöR gel delivers exceptional results without lasers or lights. The KöR system has a take-home component and may require a final in-office treatment to complete the process.
Dr. Chambers will meet with you, evaluate your teeth, and recommend a treatment plan for the best possible outcome. Start by scheduling an initial visit so we can take dental impressions. Dr. Chambers will use the impressions to create your custom-fit bleaching trays, which you will use for the whitening treatment.
Once the trays are ready, we will review the treatment plan, how to use the trays at home, and when to return for an office visit. Using your custom trays, KöR allows you to maintain your new white smile over time.
What Makes KöR Different?
Here’s what makes this whitening treatment stand out from other methods:
- Deep Bleaching System: KöR uses a special whitening process that goes deeper into the tooth enamel than most other methods. This helps get rid of tough stains, like those from antibiotics or years of discoloration, that other treatments might not remove.
- Low Sensitivity: Some whitening treatments can make your teeth feel sensitive. However, KöR is designed to be gentle. It uses a special gel that protects teeth and reduces sensitivity during and after treatment.
- Continuous Refrigeration: KöR whitening gels are kept cold from when they’re made until they’re used on teeth. This helps keep the whitening agents strong and effective. The gel is stronger when refrigerated.
- Custom-Fit Trays: KöR provides custom-made trays that fit your teeth perfectly. The KöR-Seal™ trays prevent saliva from impacting the effectiveness of the gel’s active ingredients. These trays also ensure the whitening gel is spread evenly and stays where it should for effective care.
- Long-Lasting Results: KöR is known for its long-lasting results. With the right care, your teeth can stay bright for many years. KöR also offers maintenance treatments to help keep your smile white over time.
How To Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
We suggest that you follow these tips to keep your teeth bright after teeth whitening:
- Brush and Floss: You should brush and floss twice daily to remove leftover food particles from your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can also use whitening toothpaste when you brush your teeth.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and chocolate, as they can stain your teeth. When you drink dark beverages, use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Ensure you drink enough water daily to help increase saliva production and wash away staining particles.
- Visit Our Office: At regular dental visits, we provide dental cleanings that remove surface stains from your teeth. We can also provide a thorough exam to find early spots of stains. Visits help us find dental problems that can impact tooth color, like tooth damage or decay.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Tooth discoloration is a common problem. It occurs when teeth lose their bright, white appearance. There are many reasons teeth can become discolored, and they can be divided into two main categories: intrinsic and extrinsic staining.
Extrinsic Staining
This refers to stains on the tooth’s surface, typically from things you eat or drink. One of the most common causes of extrinsic tooth discoloration is consuming food and drinks that have dark pigments. Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine are some of the biggest culprits.
These beverages contain tannins, compounds that can cling to your tooth enamel, causing stains. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and curries can stain your teeth. Smoking or chewing tobacco is another major cause of surface stains. The nicotine and tar in tobacco products can darken the enamel, leading to yellow or brownish teeth over time.
Poor oral hygiene is another reason why teeth can become discolored. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can hold onto food particles and cause stains. If plaque is not removed, it can turn into tartar, which is harder to clean and contributes to tooth discoloration. Tartar can give your teeth a yellowish appearance, making them look dull.
Intrinsic Staining
On the other hand, this happens when the inner part of the tooth, called the dentin, becomes discolored. This type of staining can happen due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is the natural aging process. As you get older, your tooth enamel naturally thins, revealing more of the yellowish dentin beneath. This can make your teeth appear more yellow or duller in color.
Certain medications can also cause intrinsic staining. For example, some antibiotics, like tetracycline, can darken the teeth if taken at a young age while the teeth are still developing. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer can also affect the color of your teeth. Additionally, excessive fluoride exposure, especially in children, can lead to dental fluorosis. This condition causes white spots or streaks to form on the teeth, and in severe cases, the teeth can become discolored.
In some cases, tooth discoloration is caused by trauma or injury to the teeth. When a tooth is damaged, the blood vessels inside the tooth can break, causing the tooth to become darker. This discoloration usually occurs in a single tooth rather than across all. The discoloration may fade over time, but in some cases, the tooth may need to be treated by a dentist to restore its natural color.
Genetics can also play a role in tooth discoloration. Some people naturally have whiter or thicker enamel, which makes their teeth appear brighter. Others may have thinner enamel, which allows the yellow dentin underneath to show through more easily. If you have naturally yellowish or darker teeth, they may be more prone to discoloration.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you want to know more about your teeth whitening options in Lexington, KY? Read answers to common questions about whitening treatments below.
Is professional teeth whitening treatment right for me?
You might be a good candidate for teeth whitening if:
- Your Teeth and Gums Are Healthy: Whitening works best on healthy teeth and gums. We will provide treatment beforehand if you have problems like gum disease or tooth decay. Once you are healthy, we will create your treatment plan.
- You Have Tooth Stains: Whitening is effective on teeth stained from coffee, tea, or smoking. KöR whitening can also lift stains that have been on your teeth for years. Because this treatment takes longer, it can thoroughly treat deep stains.
- You Can Follow Instructions: Teeth whitening requires specific instructions to get the best results and avoid problems. KöR uses multiple stages for more gradual whitening. When you follow instructions, you can get the bright smile you’ve always wanted.
If you are interested in whitening, please schedule an appointment with our office. We will provide an exam and consultation to determine if KöR is the best treatment to brighten your smile.
How does professional teeth bleaching compare to over-the-counter options?
Many over-the-counter teeth-whitening options exist, including toothpaste, strips, and gels. However, professional treatment is still the best choice for patients who want the best results. We offer teeth-whitening systems with custom-fit trays to ensure even whitening of the teeth.
In addition, KöR products can reduce tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of whitening. Store-bought products can cause permanent sensitivity.
Can I whiten dental crowns or dentures?
Unfortunately, a dentist cannot whiten dental restorations such as crowns, dentures, and porcelain veneers. These restorations consist of materials that traditional teeth whitening treatments, whitening gels, or dental lasers can not affect. Materials like porcelain or composite resin are stain-resistant and maintain their color over time.
Will bleaching cause tooth sensitivity?
One of the more common side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. KöR whitening uses an advanced bleaching gel matrix that minimizes sensitivity. Most patients experience no negative effects from its use. KöR consists of the highest-quality ingredients to provide dramatic results in a safe, comfortable process.
How long does whitening last?
The results will vary from person to person. Most patients can expect teeth whitening to last up to a year or more. If you continue to use the KöR touchup system at home, it can help extend the results of your treatment. We suggest that you visit the dentist regularly and avoid smoking and dark foods to keep your teeth white and bright.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when done properly. Most people don’t have any problems with it. However, some people might feel a little sensitivity in their teeth or gums after whitening. This usually goes away on its own.
Talk with our dental office if you are concerned with tooth sensitivity, and we will find the right whitening treatment to meet your needs.
Will teeth whitening fix intrinsic tooth stains?
A few different ways can give you a whiter smile, and teeth whitening is just one of them. KöR can help you remove intrinsic and extrinsic stains from your teeth. However, it may not be the best solution for certain cases.
We offer cosmetic procedures such as tooth bonding and veneers that will give you a whiter smile with permanent results. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to cover single teeth. Veneers are shell-like treatments that cover one or all the teeth that show when you smile.
Is professional teeth whitening worth it?
Professional teeth whitening can be worth it if you want a brighter smile and faster, more noticeable results. It usually works better than over-the-counter products because dentists use stronger whitening agents and custom-fit trays or treatments. It can also be safer and less likely to cause problems like uneven whitening or sensitivity. Professional whitening is often a good choice if you want a big change in how your teeth look and are looking for quick results.
Brighten Your Smile in Lexington Today
Get teeth whitening treatment in Lexington, KY, with Dr. Morgan Chambers. Call Complete Dentistry For All Ages at 859-251-3809 or request a dental consultation on our website. If you have questions about your options, please let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.
*Results may vary