TEETH WHITENING
IN CHARLOTTE

Teeth Whitening in Charlotte

Maintaining a white smile is harder than it seems. The use of tobacco, consumption of dark-colored liquids such as cola, coffee, red wine and some times poor hygiene habits, can all contribute to stubborn tooth stains and discoloration.

The natural aging process can also cause teeth to appear dingy as the enamel thins, exposing the darker dentin layer of tooth structure. Tooth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that is highly effective at eliminating surface stains and discoloration that affect the outer enamel.

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

Different Types of Teeth Whitening Services

Enhance the look of your smile by undergoing a dental treatment that can make your teeth up to seven shades whiter. Most types of extrinsic stains can easily be removed using a bleaching agent deemed safe for dental use.

However, intrinsic stains can be more difficult to remove, as these types of stains develop inside the tooth.

There are two main types of teeth whitening available:

• At-Home Teeth Whitening: This is the most effective method of whitening available. Our home whitening system uses custom-made trays that fit your mouth. Whitening gel is placed in the tray and can be worn a few hours a day or while you sleep. The process takes at most only Two Weeks! If your teeth are sensitive, we have a specialized gel to eliminate sensitivity.
• Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening: Using advanced technology, in-office teeth whitening can provide satisfactory results in as little as one visit. You will also be given a customized tray for home touch ups as needed.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening & Brighter Smiles

Due to advancements in dental technology, teeth whitening has become a fast and affordable solution for patients with lackluster smiles. When performed under the supervision of a certified dentist, safeguards are put in place to prevent damage to your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.

For more information about our teeth whitening services, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Linger, contact our office today.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color?

Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-white for a number of reasons:

• Food and Drink
  Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits.  Intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer part of your tooth.
• Tobacco Use
  Two chemicals found in tobacco create stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. 
• Age
  Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.
• Trauma
  If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may change color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.
• Medications
  Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain antihistamines, anti-psychotics and high blood pressure medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation can also darken teeth.

Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. This happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most all cases the sensitivity is only temporary.  Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions from your dentist.