Do you have dull or stained teeth? If you have yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth, our teeth whitening treatments in Sarasota, FL, can help. Teeth whitening is a part of cosmetic dentistry that brightens your smile and makes it look healthier. Whether you want to lighten your natural teeth or cover up discolored ones, we offer treatments that can give you a seamless, bright smile.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are several common reasons why teeth become discolored:
- Foods and Drinks: Items like tea, coffee, berries, wine, and tomato sauces can stain your teeth because they contain color-causing substances that stick to the enamel. Even with regular brushing and flossing, these stains can be hard to remove.
- Tobacco Products: Smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products can easily stain your teeth. Nicotine in these products causes yellowing and darkening of the teeth. Quitting these habits can help prevent further discoloration.
- Dental Injuries: If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or fractured, the inner layer called dentin, which is darker, can show through and make the tooth look discolored.
- Medications: Some medications, like antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and antipsychotics, can cause your teeth to darken as a side effect.
If you have stained or discolored teeth and want to improve your smile, contact our office. We will help you find the best treatment to meet your needs.
Teeth Whitening Treatments in Sarasota, FL
We offer both in-office and take-home whitening treatments to help remove surface stains from your teeth. These treatments work on extrinsic stains, which are the ones that affect the outer layer of your teeth.
Zoom QuickPro
Our Zoom QuickPro in-office whitening treatment uses two layers of varnish to remove tooth stains. This treatment can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in just one visit.
First, we apply a 20 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening varnish to your teeth. We protect your gums so that the varnish only touches the teeth. After the varnish dries, we add a sealing layer.
After the treatment, you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes to allow the varnish to fully work. Zoom QuickPro can also be done right after a routine dental cleaning for even better results.
Opalescence Whitening
We also offer Opalescence PF and Opalescence Go take-home whitening treatments. Opalescence PF uses custom trays made from impressions of your teeth. After we ensure the trays fit well, we give you a whitening gel with different strengths of carbamide peroxide. You apply the gel to the trays and wear them for the recommended time.
Opalescence Go is another take-home option with pre-filled, disposable trays that use 10 or 15 percent hydrogen peroxide. These trays come with a white inner layer and a green outer layer. Once you place the trays on your teeth, you suck in gently to make the inner layer stick to your teeth and then remove the outer layer.
You can use both Opalescence treatments once a day for about ten days, or until you reach your desired tooth shade. The results appear gradually, so you can stop when you’re happy with the color of your teeth.
Cosmetic and Restorative Care
If your teeth have deep stains, we might suggest porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, or dental crowns. These options work best for intrinsic stains, which are stains that happen inside the tooth. Causes of these stains include tooth damage, certain medications, and wear over time.
Porcelain Veneers
If you want a long-lasting way to whiten your teeth, porcelain veneers might be the right choice. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth. They’re great for covering yellowed or stained teeth. To place veneers, your dentist will remove a small layer of enamel to make space for them.
The porcelain material looks like natural teeth and doesn’t stain easily. Veneers are a strong and bright option that can hide deep stains that don’t respond well to whitening. Dr. Benson will match the veneers to your desired shade, giving you a natural and brighter smile. To learn more about the porcelain veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Teeth Bonding
For tough stains that won’t go away with whitening, Dr. Benson may suggest tooth bonding. In this cosmetic procedure, your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the surface of the stained tooth. The resin is shaped, molded, and then hardened with a special light to bond it to the tooth. Dr. Benson will match the bonding material to your natural tooth color for a seamless look.
Teeth bonding is a quick and affordable way to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, though it’s not as stain-resistant or long-lasting as porcelain veneers. To learn more about dental bonding process, see Teeth Bonding.
Dental Crowns
If your teeth have significant damage or wear, along with stains, Dr. Benson might recommend a dental crown. A crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it and improving its appearance. We can create custom porcelain crowns in just one day using CEREC technology. These crowns will match the color of your surrounding teeth for a natural and even look.
Dental crowns not only cover stains but also strengthen and protect the tooth underneath. This option is especially useful for severe staining or when other cosmetic treatments don’t work. For more information on same-day crowns, see our section on Dental Crowns. To learn more about same-day dental crowns, see Dental Crown.
Whether your stains are deep inside or on the surface, Dr. Melvin Benson has solutions to help you get the smile you want. Contact our office today if you want to restore your teeth and brighten your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about professional teeth whitening. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office, and we’ll be happy to help.
How long will my whitening results last?
Your results can last anywhere from six months to three years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth. Smoking and consuming stain-causing foods and drinks can shorten the results. To keep your teeth bright, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
Can professional teeth whitening damage my teeth?
When done by a trained dentist like Dr. Benson, professional teeth whitening is safe. It won’t harm your teeth, but you might experience brief sensitivity or gum irritation after the treatment. These side effects should go away shortly.
Are there any side effects of professional teeth whitening?
The most common side effects are temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which happen due to the bleaching agents used during the process. If you already have sensitive teeth or gums, let Dr. Benson know before your treatment.
Can I whiten my teeth along with my dental restorations?
Teeth whitening works on natural teeth but not on dental restorations like veneers, crowns, or fillings. If your restorations are stained, talk to your dentist about replacing them to match your newly whitened teeth. It’s a good idea to whiten your teeth before getting new restorations.
Do I qualify for teeth whitening?
Dr. Benson can help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you. Ideal candidates have healthy teeth and gums, without severe stains or existing restorations that could affect the results. If you have gum disease, it will need to be treated before you can whiten your teeth. For severe stains, you might need a more permanent solution.
How can I maintain my whitening results?
To keep your teeth white, avoid foods and drinks that can stain them, practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and visit the dentist every six months. You can also use whitening toothpaste and get touch-ups when your teeth start to darken. Avoiding tobacco products will also help keep your teeth bright.
What should I avoid eating and drinking after teeth whitening?
After whitening, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for at least two days. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, red sauces, and berries. Avoiding these will help maintain your whitening results since your teeth are more likely to stain right after treatment.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Sarasota, FL.
Do you want a brighter, whiter smile? Call Integrated Dental for cosmetic dental care today at 941-270-9755. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Benson online. If you have any questions about treatment, our team will be glad to help.