Teeth Whitening
Every day, we talk to patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Despite good hygiene and regular check-ups, their teeth still have a yellowish shade that dulls their smile and makes them look older than they actually are.
Staining is a common dental concern and it has a range of causes. The foods we eat and drink, from your favorite berries to your morning cup of coffee, are often culprits. Smoking certainly can do a number on your teeth, as well as your health. Some medications are known to stain teeth. And in some cases, it’s simply genetics. If your parents' teeth tend toward a yellow shade, yours likely will too. This is because enamel comes in different levels of thickness, and a thinner enamel allows more of the yellowish dentin to show through.
The good news, though, is that you don’t have to put up with it. Teeth whitening is a simple, effective, and affordable treatment that can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth so that you can smile brightly and with confidence.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We recommend that before you begin whitening, you have a cleaning. This will remove any lingering plaque and tartar so that it doesn’t interfere with the whitening process. Next, we’ll use impressions of your teeth to create custom trays, just for you, that fit your teeth perfectly. We’ll show you how to add the whitening gel to the trays and discuss how often and how long you should wear them.
And that’s it! All you have to do is wear the trays as instructed, and your teeth will look whiter within days. We’ll check on your progress as needed, and you get to keep the trays. That way it’s easy for you to whiten again at some point in the future if you need to.
What About Over-the Counter Whitening Products?
There’s a dizzying array of whitening products available at your local drugstore – everything from toothpaste to mouthwash to strips that you stick on your teeth and even tray-and-gel kits that seem similar to what we provide here.
The truth, however, is that these products can’t hold a candle to professional whitening. Some products are abrasive and can actually harm your enamel. Others are messy and likely to irritate sensitive gum tissue. None of them have the strength available for fast, even, and effective whitening. At our office, your treatment is customized from the moment you start. Custom-made trays and a whitening gel with a strength that is right for you will keep the product where it belongs and give you the level of whitening you need. Plus, Dr. Haeussner will be available whenever you have a question.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most likely! If you have any pressing dental needs, we will want to get those under control first, but most of the patients we see are good candidates for professional whitening.
It’s important to note that some stains, particularly those caused by medications, may not respond to whitening treatments. In that case, we are happy to discuss your other options for a more esthetic smile.
Call Today to Get Started!
Give us a call to schedule a cleaning appointment and ask us about teeth whitening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely!
While we applaud your commitment to good home care, routine check-ups and cleanings at our St. Augustine dental practice are still a crucial part of your preventive care plan.
Even with the proper brush and good technique, you are bound to miss areas. This isn't your fault; it's just the way teeth are. Teeth have all kinds of little nooks and crannies, including the spaces between your teeth and just below your gumline, where your brush and floss can't reach very well. Unfortunately, bacteria love to set up shop there. As the plaque remains in place, it eventually hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional instruments.
Our hygienists are highly skilled and will take the time to carefully examine each tooth and gently but thoroughly remove all the traces of plaque and tartar from your teeth that brushing and flossing have left behind. These cleanings are vital for preventing both cavities and gum disease.
These appointments are also important because they are the perfect opportunity for your hygienist to review your home care routine and make sure you are getting the most out of it. Hygienists also know what to watch for and will alert Dr. Haeussner to the presence of any symptoms of gum disease so that this can be addressed promptly.
Is it time for a cleaning? Most people should have a professional cleaning at least twice a year. Call us today to schedule yours. If you are a snowbird and regularly see a dentist up north during the summer months, call our office to get your second yearly cleaning during winter. We are happy to coordinate care with your northern dentist.
Meet Our Doctor:
T. Daniel Haeussner, DMD
Dr. Haeussner has lived in Northeast Florida since 1975. Dentistry runs in his family! His father was a dentist, his mother is a dental hygienist, and his brother is also a dentist.
After graduating from Bishop Kenny High School, Dr. Haeussner received his undergraduate degree from his beloved University of Florida. He is very proud of his Gator education and bleeds orange and blue. He then went on to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where he obtained an excellent education and also learned to appreciate the mild ...