Blog

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Our dentist may suggest professional-grade whitening treatments if you’re struggling with discolored or stained teeth that can’t be improved with over-the-counter products. We offer different types of bleaching here at our dental office, including in-office and take-home options for your convenience. In-office treatments are often the fastest and most dramatic way to change your smile’s appearance. During your visit, the dentist will apply the bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth and then use a special light to activate the ingredients in the gel. Your smile will be noticeably brighter after just one visit! Take-home whitening kits are another option for patients who prefer to whiten their smiles on their own schedules. These kits include custom-fitted whitening trays that hold the gel against your enamel for a set amount of time each day. The most noticeable results are typically achieved within a few weeks of using the kit. However, some patients choose to wear the trays for longer periods of time to achieve their desired results. While both methods are very effective at removing discoloration from teeth, it’s important to understand that the results won’t be as long-lasting as those of veneers. Veneers are much more stain-resistant than natural teeth, so you’re unlikely to need to repeat your whitening sessions.

Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening

You can find over-the-counter whitening kits at most drugstores. These contain bleaching gels that can be used with a mouthguard or tray, as well as rinses and toothpastes to keep your teeth looking whiter for longer. While these products do work to remove some stains, they will not produce the same results that professional whitening from a dental office can. Additionally, over-the-counter products will not prevent new stains from forming.

A professional teeth-whitening treatment in our office uses stronger whitening agents, which can remove stains that have built up over years. A dentist can also give you custom-fitted whitening trays to take home with you for touch-up whitening treatments that will prolong your results. At Legacy Dental Clinic, we offer a combination of in-office and at-home whitening treatments for the fastest and most dramatic results.

Dental Veneers

Some patients choose to get porcelain veneers to hide tooth discoloration, chips or cracks in their smile. Porcelain is stain resistant and can be made to match your existing teeth. However, it’s important to know that your teeth must be healthy before you consider getting veneers. If they aren't healthy, you may need to correct any underlying problems to get them fitted. Veneers shouldn’t be placed over cavities or broken areas. They should also not be placed over teeth that may need orthodontic treatment in the future. The last thing you want to do is get new dental work and then have to get braces later to straighten out your smile!

If you think you could benefit from dental veneers or teeth whitening treatments, talk to our dentist todayat Legacy Dental to find out if you’re a good candidate.