A bright and confident smile is an attractive feature. Unfortunately, many people are self-conscious about their teeth, making them feel embarrassed and shy in social situations. Teeth discoloration is a common problem that can impact your self-esteem. Thankfully, you can treat stained teeth with professional teeth whitening.
Here at Runnels Orthodontics, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Scott Runnels is a member of several dental associations. He is passionate about giving his patients a reason to smile. Feel free to contact us or visit us in Destin, FL, for your teeth whitening treatment.
What you eat and drink also contributes to teeth discoloration. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and berries, can leave prominent stains on your teeth. Years of smoking and using other tobacco products can also leave your teeth with a yellow tone.
One of the primary causes of stained teeth is poor oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar develop when you don’t brush your teeth regularly. A buildup of plaque and tartar leaves your teeth stained.
Unfortunately, some medications can cause stained teeth. Medications such as certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications are common causes of stained teeth.
As you age, your tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner, making the underlying dentin more visible and causing your teeth to appear more yellow or gray.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that lightens the color of your teeth to improve their overall appearance. Teeth whitening works by breaking down stains and discoloration on the surface of your teeth.
Most teeth whitening treatments use a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to whiten your teeth. These agents penetrate the enamel of your teeth and break down the chemical bonds that create stains and discoloration. This process is called oxidation, and it effectively removes surface-level stains from your teeth.
During your teeth whitening treatment, we will apply a high concentration of bleaching agent directly to your teeth and use a light to activate the whitening process. This treatment can successfully lighten your teeth by several shades.
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products, but they may not provide the results you want. These products are only suitable for mild discoloration. Here are a few ways you can benefit from professional teeth bleaching.
Stain-free teeth can give you a brighter smile. When you have a brighter smile, you may feel more confident in social and professional situations.
When performed by Dr. Runnels, a licensed dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth. He will ensure that your teeth do not get damaged during the treatment.
Professional teeth whitening can provide more durable results than over-the-counter whitening products because we use a stronger bleaching agent or lights to break down the layer causing discoloration.
We can create a customized treatment plan that considers your unique dental needs and desired level of whitening.
Teeth whitening can improve oral health by removing surface stains and discoloration that may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth whitening is often more cost-effective than other cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers or bonding.
Teeth whitening treatments are non-invasive and do not require any anesthesia or a lengthy recovery period. You can continue with your daily activities immediately after your treatment.
Of course, you want your newly whitened teeth to look natural. We will ensure that your teeth are bleached to the correct shade of white, so they still look natural.
At our office, we use Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening, which is a professional-grade treatment for brightening your smile. Opalescence contains powerful ingredients that are more effective than typical over-the-counter products. With this treatment, we can help lift the stains that have built up over time from things like coffee, tea, or wine. Whitening is done under our supervision so you can be sure you are getting care that is customized for you.
One of the reasons Opalescence teeth whitening stands out is its unique history and development. Over 30 years ago, Dr. Fischer, the creator of Opalescence, was inspired by his daughter Jaleena’s persistent requests for whiter teeth. Determined to find a solution, Dr. Fischer and his team created a whitening gel that produced dramatic results. What made this gel different was its thick, viscous consistency, which allowed it to stay in place and release peroxide slowly and effectively over time. Opalescence teeth whitening can penetrate the enamel deeply, breaking down stains and lifting them for a visibly brighter smile. This teeth whitening solution also provides flexibility with options that can be customized to your needs, offering a reliable and trusted way to achieve the brighter smile you’ve been wanting.
For those looking for immediate and professional results, our in-office teeth whitening treatments are a great choice. Using high-concentration whitening gels, we can brighten your smile in a single session, often in about an hour. These treatments are performed under careful supervision, ensuring that the whitening gel is applied evenly and safely. In-office systems are ideal if you have an upcoming event or simply want a more dramatic transformation in less time.
If you prefer to whiten your teeth more gradually, our at-home teeth whitening systems provide the same high-quality results at a pace that fits your schedule. At-home systems may include custom-fitted trays and professional-strength whitening gel to use at home. These trays ensure that the gel covers your teeth evenly and stays in place, minimizing the risk of irritation to your gums. You can use the at-home system daily or every few days, depending on our recommendations. It can take anywhere from ten days to one month of consistent treatments to see results with this type of product.
For patients using Invisalign™ or Vivera™ retainers, the Invisalign™ Professional Whitening System offers an easy way to brighten your smile while straightening your teeth. Powered by Opalescence™, this system allows you to whiten your teeth with either in-office or at-home options, using the same trays as your aligners or retainers. Custom trays can also be ordered for patients who are not currently using Invisalign or Vivera retainers. Since the whitening gel is designed to work specifically with Invisalign™ and Vivera retainers, it fits perfectly into your treatment plan, making it easy to achieve a straighter, whiter smile without any extra hassle.
Extrinsic stains are surface-level discolorations caused by things like coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, and they typically respond very well to whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains are deeper within the tooth and often result from trauma, medication, or aging. While intrinsic stains are more challenging to treat, professional whitening systems like Opalescence can often help lighten them. However, if the stains are particularly stubborn, we may explore other cosmetic options to improve the appearance of your smile.
The duration of teeth whitening results varies from person to person. The results depend on several factors, such as your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle choices. In general, teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to two years.
After professional teeth whitening treatments, you may experience some initial sensitivity and minor staining. However, these effects usually fade within a few days, leaving behind a brighter, whiter smile.
For those who want to maintain their teeth whitening results, we recommend touch-up treatments every six months to a year. These touch-up treatments are quick and easy, and they can ensure that your teeth remain bright and white for longer.
Before undergoing teeth bleaching, it is important to have good oral health. If you have existing dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, they should be treated before attempting to whiten your smile. Teeth bleaching is most effective for patients with mild to moderate tooth discoloration caused by aging, tobacco use, or consumption of certain foods and drinks.
The best way to know if you are a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening is to visit us for a consultation. In this way, we can assess the condition of your teeth and recommend a plan of action to help you reach your goals.
Teeth whitening treatments are designed to lighten natural tooth enamel, so they won’t change the color of crowns or veneers. If you’re considering whitening your teeth, it’s a good idea to discuss how your crowns or veneers will blend with your natural teeth after the treatment. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace older crowns or veneers to match your newly whitened teeth.
For those with sensitive teeth, teeth whitening can be done safely, but it’s important to choose the right products and approach. Opalescence also offers products to desensitize teeth after treatment such as toothpaste or gel. We can also adjust the concentration of the whitening gel to suit your level of sensitivity.
The time it takes to whiten your teeth depends on the level of teeth discoloration and the type of treatment you choose. In-office treatments generally take about an hour and can produce noticeable results in one to three sessions. At-home whitening systems may take longer but offer the convenience of whitening at your own pace.
Whitening your teeth while wearing braces can be challenging, as the whitening gel may not reach the areas covered by the brackets. For the best results, we recommend waiting until your braces are removed before starting a teeth whitening treatment.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, you can count on us to provide the results you’re looking for with a patient-focused approach tailored to meet your unique needs. At Runnels Orthodontics, we offer teeth whitening treatments designed to help you look and feel your best when you smile. Led by Dr. Scott Runnels, a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and an orthodontic specialist with over 19 years of experience, our practice is committed to excellence and to serving our local community. We treat patients from many areas including Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and more.
If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening or any other treatment, please contact us online or call us at (850) 257-7222 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.