RCCD – A Great Choice for Teeth Whitening in Raleigh

If you’re like many others in Raleigh, you may be confused about the various teeth-whitening options available to you and their relative safety. The questions and answers below are intended to provide some basic education. Dr. Williamson will be glad to talk with you further about the options most appropriate for you.

Are My Teeth Just Stained?

It could be more than that. Regular dental cleaning can help remove some staining. Most food, beverage, and tobacco staining tends to be yellow to orange in color. However, different people’s teeth are different colors from the outset – some whiter than others. Illnesses, some antibiotics, and even the environment can also cause teeth to become discolored. Some of these factors result in more brown or gray discoloration. A professional is more skilled at assessing the difference between stain and other contributing factors, based on information you may be asked to provide as well as visual examination. Why not ask for an informed opinion during your next visit?

Will Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work for Me?

They might. It doesn’t hurt to give ADA-approved teeth whitening toothpaste a try first if you’re willing to wait and see what results can be achieved. That can work well for mild staining. With over-the-counter teeth-whitening strips, be sure to follow the directions carefully as using them more extensively than described can cause irritation to oral tissues and tooth sensitivity. Before you use these products, you should have a dental check-up to make sure you don’t have decay or periodontal disease, because the products should not be used when those conditions exist. Over-the-counter products contain lower-strength bleaching agents than dentists are permitted to use during in-office whitening, and they are less likely to work if you have anything other than simple staining.

What Types of Teeth Whitening Options Does RCCD Offer?

We provide a number of options. RCCD offers at-home treatment methods for patients in need of teeth whitening in Raleigh. We provide custom-fitted mouthguards for holding the bleach we provide for your use. These can minimize the risk of gum irritation and can be used to treat more than just the front teeth – unlike over-the-counter teeth-whitening strips. Any at-home treatment will likely take more time than our in-office teeth whitening. We offer ADA approved Ultradent Boost whitening products for in-office treatments. And when we use ultraviolet (UV) light to enhance whitening, we take extreme care not to expose surrounding gum tissue to the damaging effects. It’s not always what products you use so much as how you use them when it comes to results and to your oral health.

Do In-Office Teeth-Whitening Treatments Always Work?

Many factors influence the end results we can achieve. Before beginning any treatment, Dr. Williamson will fully assess your personal situation and explain his proposed approach. Some teeth simply are not going to respond to any whitening procedure available today. In those cases, dental veneers, bonding, or other options may need to be considered as a complementary measure to achieve the results you’re looking for. Sometimes, teeth whitening can actually draw more attention to “problem” teeth. That’s why it’s important to plan the appropriate whitening treatment. Crowns and fillings, for example, don’t respond to the bleaching process like other teeth do.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent? How Long Will It Last?

Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment. The type of whitening treatment, your personal hygiene habits, what you consume, and a number of other factors can influence how long the whitening effect will last. Dr. Williamson will discuss these factors with you in devising a treatment plan that is most appropriate for your personal circumstances. He will also provide advice on how you can make the effect last longer.