Teeth Whitening

While not necessarily bright white, most of the time, natural teeth are some shade of white. However, over time, they become stained for various reasons. There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic stains are caused by internal factors. They may be genetic or due to fluoride use, antibiotics, and thinning of enamel due to aging.
Extrinsic stains are caused by external factors. These include foods/beverages, habits such as smoking, and in some cases, antibiotic use.

You can resolve these issues with teeth whitening at Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about teeth whitening.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to brighten and whiten natural teeth, improving appearance. There are several different processes that can be used to whiten teeth including: sanding, bleaching, UV therapy, and more.

While there are at-home whitening options, professional options offer better, longer-lasting results.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Professional teeth whitening can last up to 3 years with proper care and maintenance, which includes:

If necessary, the dentist can offer touch-up treatments to keep teeth bright and white.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, according to dental professionals, teeth whitening is safe for most patients. There are a few side effects associated with these procedures including teeth sensitivity and mouth/gum irritation. However, these effects typically only last about 24 to 48 hours following treatment. In some cases, they may last as long as 4 days, but should resolve after that. If you experience problems longer than that, you may have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Does teeth whitening work?

Yes, for most patients, teeth whitening is an effective method for achieving a brighter, whiter smile. Professional treatments are more effective and last longer than at-home options. That being said, patients with front tooth restorations such as veneers, crowns, dental implants, and tooth-colored fillings should not seek whitening treatments because the restorations will not whiten.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, which means it is not medically necessary. This means that most dental insurance providers will not cover any portion of treatment and the cost will be entirely out-of-pocket.

On average, teeth whitening costs range from around $500 to $1,000. Glow Up Dentistry does offer financing options, which allow you to break up the fee into smaller, more manageable payments.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

No, teeth whitening is not a painful procedure. Some patients have gum and mouth irritation and/or tooth sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. However, you can typically go back to your normal routine following treatment.

Who Should Get Teeth Whitening?

While Hollywood and society in general promotes the idea of a bright, white smile being the most desirable, it’s important to note that the health of your teeth is much more importance than their appearance. Tooth discoloration can be due to a variety of reasons including:

If you have tooth discoloration, you may want to discuss your teeth whitening options with the dental team at Glow Up Dentistry. Unfortunately, since this is a cosmetic procedure that is not medically necessary, most dental insurance providers will not cover it.

It is important to note that patients with restorations such as veneers, crowns, dental fillings, or implants should not seek teeth whitening procedures. This is because the artificial materials used for these restorations will not whiten. If the restorations are in the back of the mouth, it may be possible to whiten the front teeth- but if the restorations are in the front, whitening the natural teeth will make them stand out.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening at Glow Up Dentistry

If your teeth are stained and you want a brighter, whiter smile, schedule your teeth whitening procedure at Glow Up Dentistry today. We can help you achieve the picture-perfect, Hollywood smile you desire.

In addition to teeth whitening, we offer other cosmetic, restorative, and general dental services for the entire family. We are located on Grand Parkway in Richmond. You can book your appointment by visiting the website or by calling us at (832) 685-8240.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening or other procedures offered at Glow Up Dentistry, feel free to bring them up at any time. Our professional team members will be happy to address them. Below are some of the questions that are most often asked about teeth whitening:

How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee?

Dark-colored beverages such as coffee can contribute to tooth staining. You should wait 48 hours after tooth whitening to drink coffee because your teeth are more porous and susceptible to stains following treatment. When you do transition back to your normal diet, you should always brush your teeth within 30 minutes of eating or drinking to reduce the effect of the food/beverages on your teeth.

Is whitening your teeth bad?

While teeth whitening can cause sensitivity, overall, the procedure is safe. However, it should be done under the supervision of a dental professional for the best results.

What can I eat after teeth whitening?

When you have your teeth whitened, you want to make the results lats as long as possible. One way that you can do this is to stick to a “white diet” for up to 2 weeks following treatment. Foods that can be included in a “white diet” are light to white in color and include: white fish, chicken, tofu, rice, pasta, potatoes, cauliflower, cheese without artificial color, vanilla ice cream, white chocolate, and other foods like this. You can drink white wine, water, clear alcohol, milk, or coconut water/milk.

How long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening?

One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is sensitivity. Typically, this only lasts about 24 to 48 hours, though it may last up to 4 days for some patients. If it lasts 5 days or longer, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

No, teeth whitening is not permanent. However, results from professional teeth whitening will last longer than other methods. On average, these results last from about 1 to 3 years, as long as you practice proper oral care habits including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist every 6 months.