Do you have stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth? Are you looking for a quick and comfortable way to brighten your smile?
LUMIBRITE™ teeth whitening treatment gently whitens the tooth enamel easily and without the need for UV light. Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides teeth whitening as a cosmetic dental treatment for patients in Leland, NC. The most common causes of tooth discoloration include staining from foods and beverages, smoking and tobacco use, certain medications, and aging.
LUMIBRITE erases years of stains over time with take-home treatment or in just one visit for in-office treatment.
LUMIBRITE™ Whitening Treatment
Our office offers both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. We can work with you to determine which professional teeth whitening treatment fits your cosmetic goals, budget, and lifestyle. Patients must have healthy teeth to undergo professional teeth whitening treatment. Before creating your treatment plan, we will examine the teeth and gums and provide restorative or general treatments as needed.
If your teeth are severely stained and do not respond to whitening treatment, we may recommend dental bonding. Dental bonding can be used to cover the front of the tooth and immediately change its form and color, while also providing a permanent result.
In-Office Whitening
Our in-office treatment uses light and a whitening gel to quickly brighten the tooth enamel. We will use a polishing paste to clean and prepare the teeth for treatment. Then, we allow our patients to choose the level of brightness they would like: natural, white, or supreme white. We coat the teeth with the gel and use the Sapphire® Supreme Plasma Arc Curing Light. Patients may see results in as little as 30 minutes in our office.
Take-Home Whitening
For patients who want to whiten their teeth at home, we offer LUMIBRITE Take-Home Whitening. We will take impressions of the teeth in our office and use those impressions as a basis for your whitening trays. Applying the whitening gel to these trays will whiten the teeth over time.
Professional Vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Many people want a whiter, brighter smile. It can help you feel more confident, make a great first impression, and even help you look younger. If you’ve looked into teeth whitening, you’ve probably seen two main options: professional whitening done by a dentist and over-the-counter (OTC) products like whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste.
One of the biggest benefits of professional whitening is that it works faster and more effectively. Dentists use stronger whitening agents than those found in store-bought products. These professional-strength treatments can lighten your teeth by several shades in just one visit. In contrast, OTC products usually take weeks of daily use to show noticeable results, and they often don’t get teeth as white.
Another major benefit is that professional whitening is safe and supervised. When you whiten your teeth at the dentist’s office, a trained expert protects your gums and other soft tissues. The dentist will also examine your teeth and gums before starting treatment to ensure that whitening is a suitable option for you. With OTC products, there’s a higher risk of using them incorrectly, which can lead to gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, or uneven results.
Professional whitening also gives you more even and longer-lasting results. Dentists apply the whitening gel carefully and use specialized tools to ensure that every tooth is treated equally. Many OTC products, like strips, don’t reach all areas of your teeth, especially the sides or back teeth. As a result, you might end up with patches of white or areas that still look dull. With professional whitening, your results are brighter and more uniform.
Finally, your dentist can customize the treatment to your needs. They can adjust the strength of the whitening gel and the number of treatments or provide take-home kits with custom-fit trays. This personal approach helps reduce sensitivity and gives you better control over your results. Store-bought kits typically come in a single size and strength, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening treatment below:
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening does not damage the teeth and uses a gel that is formulated with sensitivity in mind. In general, whitening procedures are widely performed and minimally invasive treatments that keep the dental structure intact. LUMIBRITE specifically does not use UV light, unlike other whitening methods.
How is LUMIBRITE different from other whitening treatments?
LUMIBRITE provides long-lasting results with quick treatment. When performed in our office, this whitening treatment produces results in under one hour, usually after 30 minutes. Patients with sensitive teeth or those who prefer a more gradual treatment can customize their care with the strength of their whitening gel. Our take-home LUMIBRITE treatment is ideal for patients seeking more natural-looking results.
How long do teeth stay white after professional whitening?
The timing of this can vary depending on each person. Everyone has a different mouth, and the teeth respond to whitening in different ways. Your lifestyle habits also play a role. If you smoke or drink coffee regularly, your teeth will discolor faster than they would otherwise. On average, whitening effects can last anywhere from six months to two to three years.
Should I clean my teeth before or after whitening?
Whitening works best on teeth that are freshly cleaned. If you’re going to use our in-office option, we recommend getting the whitening treatment done immediately after one of your regular cleanings. For the at-home option, we can give you the supplies to take home after your cleaning and exam.
How often can I get my teeth whitened?
It’s recommended that you don’t whiten your teeth more than once a year. Even with professional products, you may experience sensitivity if you’re whitening your teeth too often.
What can I eat after teeth whitening?
There are certain things to avoid for approximately 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment. This window is the most likely to stain. Avoid foods that are acidic and pigmented, such as coffee, soda, tea, and red wine, as well as other staining foods.
Can I brush my teeth after teeth whitening treatment?
Yes, you can brush your teeth. We recommend brushing your teeth gently after whitening to ensure you don’t cause any irritation to your gums.
Can teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
No, whitening won’t damage your enamel. The part of the tooth responsible for its color is the interior material, called dentin. The solution penetrates the enamel to lighten the stained dentin tissue. No damage happens to the enamel.
Call Our Waterford Dental Office
Find out if teeth whitening is right for you. Request an appointment with our professional dental team online or call 910-519-1624. We welcome all questions and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.