Teeth Whitening in Woburn, MA
Our smiles impact how others perceive us, shaping first impressions and ongoing interactions. Numerous studies reveal that individuals with white, radiant smiles are viewed more positively in social situations. People tend to associate bright, well-maintained teeth with health, confidence, and attractiveness. Conversely, dull or discolored teeth can lead to negative judgments, impacting social interactions and self-esteem. This societal preference for white teeth underscores the importance of effective, affordable, and efficient teeth whitening options. At Four Corners Dental Care, we offer professional in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits to help you achieve your smile goals.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
In a world where first impressions matter, maintaining a bright smile can be a powerful tool for social success. However, it can be challenging to keep our smiles white when there are so many stain-causing culprits.
Over time, discoloration can occur from exposure to staining substances, such as dark-colored food and beverages and tobacco. This type of discoloration is called extrinsic staining because it affects the external surface of the teeth. Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and sauces contain chromogens, which are pigmented compounds that can attach to the enamel. The tannins in tea and red wine also help the color compounds adhere to the tooth’s surface. Additionally, acidic beverages, like soda and citrus drinks, can erode the enamel, making it more susceptible to staining.
Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, contain tar and nicotine. When combined with oxygen, nicotine turns yellow and deeply penetrates the enamel, leading to persistent discoloration. Regular exposure to these substances can lead to noticeable and lasting stains on your teeth.
While limiting or avoiding these substances and maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine can help keep your teeth white, other factors can cause the tooth to stain on the inside. Intrinsic staining affects the layer beneath the enamel, making your teeth look dull and discolored due to your enamel’s semi-translucence. Causes of intrinsic stains include injuries to the teeth, certain medications, excessive fluoride exposure, medical conditions, and genetic factors. While these stains are tougher to address, we have many tools at Four Corners Dental Care to help you love your smile again.
Teeth Whitening at Four Corners Dental Care
Our office uses Opalescence™ Teeth Whitening Systems to provide patients with time-tested whitening services. For over 30 years, Opalescence™ has been a leader in professional teeth bleaching. The special gel has a unique thickness that keeps the chemical whitening agents on your teeth. The gel’s carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. These react with and break apart the stain molecules on your teeth. This process lightens the appearance of your teeth, making them look whiter.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office teeth bleaching is an excellent option for those seeking instant results. The process takes about an hour and includes two or three 20-minute treatments.
At the start of your treatment, we will place a protective barrier over your gums to prevent irritation.
Then, we’ll use a brush to apply the whitening gel directly to your teeth. The gel is designed for maximum effectiveness and contains ingredients like potassium and fluoride to help make the treatment comfortable. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and cruelty-free! With this chemically activated system, no hot and cumbersome LED lights are needed.
At the end of your appointment, you’ll enjoy noticeably whiter teeth.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
We also offer custom whitening trays that you can use at home. These trays are specially made to fit your teeth perfectly. You can choose from different gels with various peroxide concentrations and flavors, allowing you to select a whitening method that suits you best.
While the wear times depend on your specific concentration, you can expect to wear your trays once daily for 10 days (or until you reach your desired brightness). There is even an option to wear the trays while you sleep, so you don’t need to worry about scheduling time in your day to whiten your teeth.
If you choose this option, we’ll take impressions and have your custom trays made. You’ll receive the trays, whitening gel (in a syringe), and a protective case. To use this at-home system, you’ll dispense the gel into your tray and gently place the tray over your teeth. If the gel gets on your gums, simply brush it away with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Finally, clean the whitening tray by brushing it with warm water.
Permanent Whitening With Veneers
Some stains are so stubborn that they are difficult to diminish, even with professional teeth whitening. Dental veneers provide permanent teeth whitening, concealing discolored teeth and other flaws like cracks, chips, gaps, and more. With veneers, you can control the size, shape, and color of your teeth to achieve your perfect smile.
We cement these thin shells onto the outer surface of your teeth, transforming your smile in just a few visits. While veneers are a remarkable cosmetic dentistry option, it’s important to know that the procedure isn’t reversible, as we need to remove a small layer of your enamel so the veneers sit flush.
Achieve a Brighter Smile at Four Corners Dental Care
No one should settle for a smile they don’t love! At Four Corners Dental Care, we provide compassionate guidance, expert cosmetic dentistry, and personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If you’ve noticed that your teeth have lost their luster, it’s time to consider professional teeth whitening.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation to learn more about our whitening services and discover which system is best for your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, teeth whitening with Opalescence™ is a safe and comfortable method for enhancing your smile when combined with guidance from a dental professional. However, because there is little research about the safety of teeth whitening for pregnant women, the ADA recommends delaying treatment if you are pregnant.
The most common side effect of whitening is tooth sensitivity, but Opalescence won’t harm your enamel. Any tooth sensitivity should be temporary and can be managed with a desensitizing gel or toothpaste.
Professional teeth whitening results can last a long time, provided you maintain a strong oral hygiene routine and limit exposure to stain-causing culprits. If your teeth begin to appear dull, touch-ups are easy. Once you’ve whitened your teeth, keeping them radiant is generally easier.
If you have stained or discolored teeth and want to improve the look of your smile, you may be a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. However, having healthy teeth and gums is essential. If you have worn enamel, tooth decay, exposed tooth roots, or gum disease, we must first address those restorative issues.