Smile Brighter with Teeth Whitening in Collierville
At our practice, Dr. Joshua Holcomb treats many different kinds of patients with a multitude of dental needs, but do you know what they all want? Whiter teeth. Research has shown time and time again that people with pristinely white teeth tend to be considered more attractive, intelligent, and professional, so it’s no wonder that teeth whitening is our most popular cosmetic service. If your smile has become discolored due to a love of coffee, wine, tobacco, or natural aging, we can easily turn back the clock and make it up to 8 shades whiter with just one treatment.
Why Isn’t My Smile White?
So if everyone wants to have a white smile, how come so many people do not?
Certain beverages, such as the aforementioned coffee and wine, in addition to certain berries and sauces, actually have dark pigments in them that stick to the enamel and become ingrained in it. Also, as we age, the translucent enamel naturally starts to thin, revealing the yellow layer of dentin underneath. And, genetics plays a big role in the color of our teeth as well. Some people, even those that take good care of their teeth, may be predisposed to experience enamel discoloration and darkening.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Can Help
With a professional teeth whitening treatment, we can eliminate all kinds of stains and let your smile’s original shine come through. Our whitening treatments use a highly potent bleaching gel, mostly composed of carbamide peroxide, which is able to attack even the deepest stains. It works by literally breaking the bonds that hold the stains together, causing them to dissipate.
While there are numerous whitening treatments you can purchase over-the-counter, most of them provide very underwhelming results, or on the other hand, are so strong they can actually damage your enamel and make your teeth extremely sensitive. Under the supervision of your dentist in Collierville, we can whiten your smile and keep it healthy at the same time.
Our Whitening Treatments
- In-Office: If you’re looking to get results as quickly as possible, then we can completely whiten your smile with just a single appointment. We’ll simply apply, wipe off, and reapply our whitening gel until your smile reaches the desired color. In many cases, we’re able to finish the treatment in as little as 45 minutes!
- Take-Home: If you’d rather whiten your smile more gradually, we can make you your own customized-kit. It will consist of mouth trays specially designed to fit your smile as well as our whitening gel. You’ll simply need to wear the trays with the gel for about 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks to see complete results, though you’ll likely see an immediate improvement after the first day.
Are You Ready for a Whiter Smile?
Whether in our office or at home, the results will be the same if you trust us with your smile: dramatically whiter teeth. It’s amazing how much this one simple procedure can enhance a person’s appearance and boost their confidence, but we see it all the time with our patients, and it could do the exact same for you.
If you’re ready to get the whiter smile you’ve always wanted, contact us today for an appointment.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How Are Store-Bought Whitening Kits and Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Different?
Although patients often assume the only difference is the price, that’s actually just one of many noteworthy differences. To start, we complete a comprehensive oral exam at our Collierville office to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We also customize the entire process to ensure that the final result is a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful. Of course, store-bought products don’t consider your unique dental needs, they use one-size-fits-all applicators, and the whitening gels they include are not the best. For all of those reasons, they usually leave patients feeling underwhelmed by the results.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Take?
How long it takes to achieve the results you desire will depend on a few factors, starting with the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose. After all, take-home products usually take about two weeks to lift stubborn stains, while in-office treatments can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit.
It’s also worth noting that some patients need preliminary care, like gum disease therapy, and others need multiple treatments to achieve the results they desire. That’s why we don’t recommend waiting to schedule a consultation! The sooner you do, the more time we will have to create the healthy, gorgeous smile you deserve.
Will the Results of My Teeth Whitening Treatment Last Forever?
Sadly, the results of your teeth whitening treatment will not last forever. That said, they can last for 6+ months! The key is to take great care of your smile, starting with brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. It’s also a good idea to use a straw when drinking coffee, eat light-colored foods, and avoid stain-causing habits, like smoking.
Tip: If you start to notice dental discoloration resurfacing, call us to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist! That way, they can provide a touch-up treatment, restoring your bright, stain-free smile in the process.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
There are a few foods we recommend avoiding to keep your smile nice and bright, including blackberries, dark chocolate, and beets. It’s also a good idea to limit your intake of dark-colored sauces, including marinara sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Instead, fill your plate with light-colored foods, like egg whites, white fish, plain yogurt, bananas, and cottage cheese.
Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Hurt?
No, teeth whitening treatments do not hurt. That said, some patients do experience sensitivity in the hours following their appointment. To prevent that from happening, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like not drinking hot coffee and using a desensitizing toothpaste. If you’re prone to sensitivity already, we may space out your brightening appointments as well.