Teeth WhiteningNew Bern, NC

Teeth Whitening An Overview

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in our New Bern, North Carolina dentist office. Dr. Stephen Hoard offers two options for patients: in-office professional teeth whitening and take home tooth bleaching trays.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Tooth whitening is one of the fastest and most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained or discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile.

Teeth Whitening What to Expect

Dr. Hoard offers tray whitening. Tray whitening is an affordable and convenient teeth whitening treatment that you can use while in the comfort of your own home. We will first take an impression of your mouth to create customized clear whitening trays for you to wear.

Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up. When you return to pick them up, we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays and go over any other instructions.

The professional grade teeth whitening gel trays should be worn for 3 – 4 hours per day or overnight. At the end of your treatment period, you will see a dramatic difference in the whiteness and brightness of your smile. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile makeover.

Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, professional tray whitening is designed to fit against your teeth and gums perfectly for comfortable and even treatment.

Get a whiter, brighter smile! Contact us to learn more about teeth whitening and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hoard.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Can dentures be whitened with teeth whitening?

No. Dentures are made of material that is not tooth enamel. Teeth whitening only reacts to natural tooth enamel. Dental prosthetics such as dentures, dental bridges, dental veneers, and crowns can not be whitened. Fortunately, modern dental prosthetics are highly stain-resistant.

Does teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity?

No. Tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment is only mild and temporary, and should not last for more than a week. Consult with your dentist if sensitivity lasts for much longer. Be sure to follow all instructions to avoid damaging your teeth.

How long does teeth whitening at the dentist last?

Treatment results vary from patient to patient. Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from a couple of months to three years, or more. This is due to oral health habits such as smoking, wine drinking, and more. Naturally, your results will last longer if you take care of your teeth and practice excellent oral hygiene.

Will teeth whitening remove stains?

Yes, teeth whitening is an effective way to remove external tooth stains. Teeth whitening effectively removes external tooth stains caused by smoking, drinking coffee and tea, eating certain foods, and taking certain medications. Teeth whitening with a dentist can reduce staining by as much as eight shades in just one visit. However, over-the-counter whitening products like white strips will be effective with external tooth discoloration. Consult a dentist for advice on which treatment option is best for you.

Can I get a teeth whitening treatment if I have braces?

Yes. However, you should wait until your dentist removes your braces before considering teeth whitening. The brackets and wires of your brace may make it difficult to apply the bleaching agent adequately. In addition, the whitening solution might not be fully effective due to the barriers presented by the braces. Therefore, consult with your orthodontist before beginning any whitening regimen.

How long does an in-office teeth whitening treatment take?

In-office teeth whitening treatments usually take about 30 to 90 minutes. The exact time can vary because of factors such as the dentist’s whitening method and the degree of discoloration in your teeth. The good news is that you can walk out with a noticeably better smile in a reasonable span.