Smile Gallery

Many people choose whitening procedures to reduce stains and discolorations on their teeth. Natural teeth have a translucent, white color. Over time, the enamel wears down and turns yellow or brown due to the effects of things like coffee, soda, tobacco, aging, and more. Certain medications can also cause tooth discoloration. 

Discoloration can make your smile look less attractive and less bright overall. At Shore Drive Dental, teeth whitening treatments are available to improve the look of your teeth and boost your confidence. 

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a quick, non-invasive procedure used to lighten teeth that are discolored or dulled due to age, food stains, tobacco use, certain medications, trauma, and other factors.

There are two main methods of teeth whitening:

• Professional Treatment

The dentist applies a high-concentration peroxide gel directly to the tooth enamel. A light may be used to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. In-office teeth whitening can lighten the teeth by several shades in as little as one session. 

• At-Home Treatment

Trays with prescription-grade hydrogen peroxide gel are custom-made for the patient to wear for a specified time each day until the desired results are achieved. This usually takes about one week. At the end of this period, the patient returns to the dental office for a follow-up visit to ensure their teeth have reached the desired shade level.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening products are everywhere. You can find them on the shelves of almost any grocery store, pharmacy, or big box store. For minor stains or discoloration, these at-home whitening options can get the job done. However, it’s best to choose a professional whitening treatment performed by a dentist to ensure the safest and most effective results possible.

One of the main reasons why professional whitening is superior is that over-the-counter products aren’t customizable. You can choose between strips or trays but you cannot choose products that are specifically designed for your type of stains or discoloration. 

In addition, over-the-counter whitening products come with some instructions on how to use them properly, but unfortunately, the instructions aren’t always clear or easy to follow. This can lead to improper use of these products and uneven whitening, which is never good.

With professional whitening, you don’t need to worry about any of these issues. You will have someone there to help you every step of the way. The dentist will apply prescription-strength bleaching gel to your teeth and then use a special ultraviolet light to activate it. This helps lift stains from your tooth enamel to reveal your brightest smile. You’re also much less likely to experience tooth sensitivity with a professional whitening treatment, as the process is closely monitored.

Teeth whitening is a relatively simple cosmetic procedure that can enhance the brightness of your smile. To learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening, contact Shore Drive Dental at (757) 460-1939 or visit us at 4417A Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.