Teeth Whitening
Looking for a brighter smile?
Teeth whitening is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their smile. The process at Blue Ridge Dental involves the application of a bleaching agent directly onto the teeth. We utilize the Opalescence Teeth Whitening Brand, which treats the teeth with a hydrogen peroxide gel. This gel is activated to release oxygen ions that penetrate the teeth, breaking down stains both inside and out for a radiant appearance. This method is highly effective and very safe, typically causing little to no discomfort.
Teeth whitening can significantly enhance the look of your teeth, boosting your confidence in your smile. However, before determining whether teeth whitening is suitable for you, there are a few factors to take into account.
How much will my tooth’s color change?
Generally, the more stained your teeth, the more challenging the whitening process, though improvement is always possible. Tooth discoloration comes in two forms: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration affects the tooth’s surface and can result from consuming certain foods and drinks or from lifestyle habits such as smoking. Intrinsic discoloration occurs within the tooth and is often caused by medication, childhood illnesses, or natural aging.
Also, teeth whitening treatments only affect the natural structure of the tooth. Therefore, crowns, veneers, or fillings that cover the front of your teeth will not be lightened by these treatments.
If your smile is unlikely to benefit from teeth whitening due to the condition of your teeth or the degree of discoloration, dental veneers might be a suitable alternative.
WILL teeth whitening hurt?
Applying the whitening agent is typically painless. However, if you already have sensitive teeth that react to hot or cold foods, the whitening procedure may increase or maintain this sensitivity. If you don’t generally experience tooth sensitivity, you are not likely to encounter such issues after the whitening treatment.
How Long Will the Process Take?
The professional in-office treatment at Blue Ridge Dental Group is completed in about 2 hours from start to finish. Throughout this process, we isolate the teeth and apply several rounds of whitening gel, each lasting about 10-15 minutes. After each application, the gel is removed from the teeth before applying a fresh layer. The results of our teeth whitening are visible almost immediately.
Do you have questions about Teeth Whitening?
We are happy to discuss questions you may have about Teeth Whitening or other orthodontic procedures.