2272 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072

Teeth WhiteningMarrero, LA

Confident young man looking at camera teeth whitening cosmetic dentist new orleans laTeeth whitening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening is often used in combination with reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry cases as part of a smile makeover.

Doctors Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill offer a wide range of professional teeth whitening options to brighten your smile. They will discuss your cosmetic goals, dental concerns, and budget before recommending which option is best suited to your needs.

Professional vs. Over the Counter Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening offered by Barataria Dental is far superior to the teeth bleaching kits sold in drug stores, with the added benefit of professional oversight for safe and effective results. The bleaching gel that we use has a far stronger concentration of active ingredients for whiter teeth in less time. In addition, our bleaching trays are designed to fit perfectly against the teeth for an even distribution of bleaching gel, meaning no missed spots.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored?

There are many different things that contribute to you having discolored teeth. Age is a big factor. We use our teeth every day to bite and chew. They’re going to take on some wear and tear as the years go by. Patients that have a habit of smoking or coffee drinking will have teeth that are more discolored than others. Tobacco and drinking darker drinks continues to stain your teeth throughout the time you have this habit.

Your teeth become more discolored just with aging, too. The outermost layer of your teeth is the enamel. This is the harder white layer that you’re used to seeing with your teeth. But this layer starts to erode and break down as time goes, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer that’s underneath.

Genetics and medical conditions play a part, too. Certain medications lead to different colors of staining on your teeth. Genetics make you predisposed to a certain tooth color. Some people’s teeth are naturally more white than others. You may just be prone to having a darker or yellower tooth color.

Your oral hygiene makes a big difference on the appearance of your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar buildup can turn your teeth yellow or brown. If you had metal braces and didn’t properly take care of your teeth, the brackets can leave white marks where they were on your teeth, while the surfaces that were exposed are a yellower color.

At-Home Whitening Kits

Take-home whitening kits are ideal for patients seeking a more gradual and natural result. Take-home kits afford patients the convenience of whitening their teeth from the comfort of their own homes. Your Barataria dentist will take molds of your teeth to create custom whitening trays. These trays will fit snugly against your teeth, reducing damage or sensitivity to your teeth and soft tissues. Patients wear their whitening trays for a few hours each day and enjoy a gradual whitening of their teeth.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Barataria Dental offers EZ white pro-in-office teeth whitening system. In-office teeth whitening is a non-invasive, quick procedure that can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades in about just one hour. A professional-grade whitening gel is topically applied to the teeth. A special light activates the whitening agent. EZ white can take years off of your appearance, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and confident in your beautiful smile.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

How long do my teeth stay white after a treatment?

This is different for everyone. Your teeth may respond better to whitening treatment than someone else’s. If you frequently smoke or drink coffee, your whitening won’t last as long with staining. On average, teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to three years.

How often can I get my teeth whitened?

Even with professional whitening materials, tooth sensitivity can still happen. The chances of this increase if you’re whitening more frequently. You also risk your teeth becoming unnaturally white compared to your face. We recommend that you only get your teeth whitened once or twice a year.

Should I get my teeth cleaned before or after whitening treatment?

For the best results, teeth whitening should be done on teeth that have just been cleaned. If you’re getting in-office treatment, we recommend scheduling your cleaning and whitening back to back. Get a cleaning before you start whitening treatment with the take-home option.

When can I eat after whitening treatment?

You’re able to eat and drink right after the whitening treatment. However, your teeth are more susceptible to staining at this time. We recommend that you avoid staining substances like coffee or strawberries for around 48 hours after you get the treatment.

Does teeth whitening weaken your teeth?

No. Teeth whitening doesn’t damage your tooth enamel. Whitening targets the dentin, the layer under the enamel. It bleaches this layer, lightening your teeth.

Are there side effects of teeth whitening?

In the first couple of days after a whitening treatment, your teeth may be more sensitive to heat or cold. This should go away with time. Your gums can become irritated if the bleaching agent comes into contact with them. With a professional, tho, we take care to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Which whitening method is the best one for me?

The main difference in whitening treatments is the time they take. If you have an event coming up and need a white smile quickly, in-office is the best option. Take-home whitening is a longer process but can overall lead to a whiter smile.

Am I an ideal candidate for teeth whitening?

Almost any person with tooth discoloration is eligible for teeth whitening. But not all staining responds to traditional whitening techniques. If you have stains from medication or your tooth is discolored due to trauma, you may need other forms. We have options like porcelain veneers or dental bonding for these situations.