Teeth Whitening in Ocala
Whitening your smile can be one of the quickest and least expensive ways to look and feel younger. Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala is a highly trained and qualified teeth whitening dentist in Ocala Florida. We offer different whitening options, from fast in-office treatments like Opalescence Boost to at home products that can whiten your smile while respecting your budget. Unlike store-bought whitening kits, our kits include professional-strength whitening solutions and custom-fit trays for better, faster, longer-lasting results. Below is some clarifying information about tooth whitening.
Whitening Products From Your Dentist vs. Over the Counter Products
It seems that every dental care product in the supermarket now has the word “whitening” somewhere on the package. Many of the advertisements claim that they offer tremendous results. Is there truth to this? Do these products actually work? The truth is that there is some effect to these products. The results however, are very minimal. There are a few reasons for this.
First, the over-the-counter products use diluted strengths of the whitening agent. If the teeth become whiter, it is often minimal and it takes many repeated applications. Professional whitening products offered by Weldon Dentistry utilize a much stronger formula. This provides results in a much more efficient manner.
The second major difference is the whitening tray. The over the counter products for teeth whitening with trays are not specifically designed to fit your teeth. Most products will either use strips or include a stock tray that is designed to provide a marginal fit for the masses. This can pose problems because the gel can be absent in some areas with an overabundance in others. This will result in uneven result and often sensitivity to the gums because much of the product leaks out.
Third, Dr. Weldon is trained to determine the proper amount of teeth whitening that should be done for each patient. Some teeth can only be whitened to a certain degree before it will increase in translucency. Dentists offer tried-and-true methods that have been proven to deliver terrific results.
The reality of the situation is that if you want whiter teeth in a predictable fashion, professional products are much more effective.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are two variations of stains that can discolor teeth. Intrinsic stains are those that develop with time and are formed on the inside of the teeth. These stains can be formed from trauma, regular aging, smoking, or an excessive ingestion of fluoride. There are also extrinsic stains that are formed by deposits on the teeth also from smoking, coffee, or other foods and drinks. Whitening has the ability to remove both types of stains.
Tobacco has proven to be a major contributing factor in teeth staining and discoloration. Nicotine leaves lasting deposits in the actual tooth structure that will slowly soak in and stain. Beverages and even certain foods have the ability to stain the teeth. Tea, red wine, coffee, and colas, for example have properties that can discolor teeth. Finally, erosion from acidic food or beverages can wear away the thin coating of tooth enamel, allowing the yellow-tinted dentin beneath the enamel to show through and make teeth appear more discolored and yellow.
The most common whitening agents utilize bleaching chemicals (generally hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to reach down into the enamel layers and start a chemical reaction (specifically, an oxidation reaction) which breaks apart and removes the staining compounds.
What is the Procedure?
The most common teeth whitening procedures utilize custom fabricated whitening trays custom designed by your dentist. These trays are placed over the teeth in the upper and lower arch. A small line of the prescription whitening gel is then placed in the tray. The trays are then worn for the prescribed time daily. The tray is specifically designed from impressions made from the teeth.
The second way to whiten teeth is an in-office method. Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala utilizes Opalescence Boost technology. After placing a protective layer of material on the gum tissue, this high strength whitening material is placed over the teeth for a short period of time. This can be done one time but often multiple applications are required. The entire process can be completed in less than an hour. From there, Dr. Weldon will provide you with Opalescence whitening gel to take home for touch ups.
Dr. Weldon would be happy to discuss the details of teeth whitening in Ocala, providing a professional opinion on the predictability of this treatment in your individual scenario. Feel free to contact Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala electronically or call (352) 622-3236 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, you may be thinking about getting teeth whitening in Ocala. It’s a fast, effective, and affordable way to improve your appearance. Of course, it’s completely normal to have a few concerns about the treatment even after reading through the information given above. At Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala, we've decided to answer some frequently asked questions we receive from patients. If you don’t see your specific question below, feel free to reach out!
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to move forward with cosmetic treatment because they’re worried it will hurt. However, you’re much less likely to experience any discomfort during teeth whitening because every treatment is tailored to each patient. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, make sure you let our team know at your consultation. We can space out your treatment sessions or offer advice (i.e., avoiding hot beverages and using specialty toothpaste) to help you avoid the unpleasant sensation.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Your bright results can last anywhere between a few months to a few years depending on how well you take care of your smile. That said, here are some steps you can take to preserve your newly improved grin:
- Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse with mouthwash regularly)
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
- Reduce your intake of dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., soda, red wine, tea, soy sauce, curry)
- Avoid poor dental habits like smoking and using tobacco products
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most people who are struggling with stained or discolored teeth are eligible for this service. However, the only way to know for sure whether or not you’re a candidate is by having a consultation with our team at Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala. At your appointment, we’ll conduct an oral examination and inquire about your goals to determine if this is the right choice for you. If your teeth and gums are in good shape, we’ll begin working on your custom treatment plan.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Only treatments administered by a licensed professional are considered extremely safe. If you’re using products that aren’t FDA- or ADA-approved, they haven’t undergone rigorous testing and could potentially damage your oral health. That’s why it’s crucial to only use products designed specifically for your mouth. You should also strive to seek treatment from a dental professional who’s qualified to perform teeth whitening.