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Friendswood, TX 77546
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Teeth Whitening — Friendswood, TX

Smile Brightly

 

Woman looking at smile in mirror after teeth whiteningIf you’ve visited the oral hygiene aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store recently, you’ve likely seen the numerous products that promise to brighten your smile. In fact, most of the patients who visit our dental office to ask about teeth whitening have already tried one or more over the counter teeth whitening products with little to no success. Before you waste your time on these one size fits all teeth whitening solutions, we encourage you to call Friendswood Dental Group to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. James T. Sierra, DDS, FAGD will create a personalized plan for teeth whitening in Friendswood, TX that directly addresses the underlying cause of dental discoloration, leaving you with a brilliant white smile.

Reasons Teeth Are Discolored

At-home teeth whitening kitUnderstanding the cause of dental discoloration is the only way to create a teeth whitening plan that will predictably brighten your smile. During your cosmetic dentistry consultation, Dr. Sierra will help you discover the cause of tooth discoloration and create a plan to address the underlying concerns. Some of the reasons teeth become discolored include:

  • Consumption of dark colored foods and drinks
  • Smoking or using tobacco
  • Aging or wearing away of tooth enamel that reveals the yellow-colored dentin layer of teeth
  • Fluorosis stains are brighter white and they occur when too much fluoride is consumed in childhood
  • Tetracycline staining occurs when certain medications are taken during dental development

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Man receiving in-office teeth whiteningFor patients who want to brighten their smiles quickly, in-office teeth whitening is the best option. The process is simple. We begin by isolating the teeth and protecting the lips and soft tissue. Then, we apply a coating of whitening gel to the surfaces of teeth. The whitener remains active for about 20 minutes at a time. Then, we remove the whitening gel to check the process, and we reapply as necessary. Most patients achieve their desired results in just about an hour of treatment.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

If you prefer to brighten your smile more gradually or suffer with sensitive teeth and gums, a professional take-home whitening plan may be preferable. Unlike store bought whitening kits that use low doses of whitener and one size fits all application methods, our professional take-home whitening kits are customized to meet the individual patient needs. We will provide you with a professional dosage of whitening gel and a custom crafted application tray. Then, you can apply the whitening gel for thirty minutes a day for two weeks.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Woman pointing to her bright white smile after teeth whiteningSome of the many benefits of professional teeth whitening compared with store bought whitening kits include:

  • Predictable results – store bought whiteners typically have little to no effect on tooth staining, but professional whitening brightens smiles up to ten shades
  • Safety – because your entire treatment process is planned and supervised by a skilled dentist, you know your smile will be safe from dental damage or decay
  • Comfort – many patients experience tooth sensitivity due to continually using over the counter whiteners with little to no effect, but with professional whitening, your dentist can provide treatment to counteract any tooth sensitivity or discomfort

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Yellow and black question marks

Teeth whitening in Friendswood can turn back the clock to reveal a vibrant, youthful smile. However, it's normal to have some questions about the treatment. Don't worry, because Dr. James T. Sierra will explain everything during your consultation. While you wait for your appointment, you can contact our office or take a look at the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening shouldn't cause any discomfort if your teeth and gums are healthy. If you're prone to sensitivity, Dr. Sierra can cater your treatment to your comfort. They may also recommend using specialty toothpaste to block pain signals. It's best to avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours. You can prevent sensitivity by spacing out whitening treatments.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?

Teeth whitening will not damage your enamel when performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist in Friendswood, like Dr. Sierra. Whitening treatments are safe when used according to the manufacturer's guidelines when performed on patients with good oral health. It is important to avoid overusing whitening treatments, including OTC products, to prevent damaging your teeth.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Whitening treatments can provide noticeable, lasting results when used on age-related and surface stains. However, they don't work on dental crowns and other restorations because they aren't porous. Whitening ingredients may also weaken the bonding material holding your crown in place. You don't have to live with tooth discoloration. Your dentist will create a personalized plan to brighten your smile while ensuring consistent results.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening can last for several months or years, depending on your aftercare routine. You can keep your smile bright by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing every day. Limit your consumption of dark foods and drinks. If you can't resist a cup of coffee, drink it through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after you finish. Don't smoke or use tobacco to prevent tar and nicotine stains. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They can also provide you with a touch-up kit to keep your pearly whites their brightest.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Teeth Whitening?

Most dental insurance doesn't cover elective services, like teeth whitening. Your benefits may include your consultation and any prep work, like a cleaning or filling. Our office accepts various payment methods to keep cosmetic dentistry affordable, like monthly payments with CareCredit.