Teeth Whitening in Charlotte, NC

Do you think about teeth whitening in Charlotte, NC?

Often we are unhappy with our smile. We wish our teeth were as white as they were during childhood. Teeth discolor for several different reasons, including the foods we eat, the beverages we drink, tobacco use, and even certain medications.

Additionally, as we age, teeth present in many different shades, from ivory to yellow, from gray to brown. And many of us wish our teeth were whiter and brighter since these are signs of healthy teeth and, many assume, good oral hygiene.

Fortunately, professional teeth whitening is affordable and safe—and dramatic results can be yours after just one trip to our Uptown Charlotte, NC cosmetic dentist!

There is no reason to go through life with teeth that are not as white as you’d like or a smile that you can’t be proud of. Call Dr. H. Justin Harlow to find out how easy it can be to love your smile again!

Check out some of our most frequently asked questions about teeth bleaching in Steele Creek, NC. If you have a question not addressed here, or if you would like more details, contact Harlow Dental today.

Am I a good candidate for professional teeth whitening in Charlotte, NC?

Dr. H. Justin Harlow will review your oral health history or examine your teeth and gums to make sure professional teeth bleaching is the right treatment for you. In some cases, restorations may play a role in our dentist’s recommendation, but restorations don’t necessarily rule out a professional teeth bleaching treatment.

We suggest getting in touch with one of our Charlotte dental offices to learn more about whether professional teeth whitening is the best option for you.

We use the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening System in Steele Creek, NC for excellent results. We have tried other systems in the past, but we have found that ZOOM! provides the best professional teeth bleaching in Steele Creek. Our patients rave about their results! We think you will, too.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

A professional teeth bleaching treatment in our dental offices is fairly quick, and it usually means you’ll spend only about an hour in the dental chair.

The first step involves applying the whitening gel to your teeth. This is a prescription-strength whitening gel and very effective. This gel breaks up stubborn stains that have been around for years and that no amount of whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening kits can eliminate. Following the application, ultraviolet light activates the whitening gel while you relax.

After just one treatment, you will notice that your teeth are already whiter than before you sat down in the dentist chair. Your teeth will continue to whiten over the next few days.

Dr. Harlow will also provide you with an at-home whitening kit. If you continue to follow up with our take-home bleaching system, following all provided instructions, your results will last even longer. You can also do periodic touch-ups on your own time.

How often can I use my take-home tray?

We will provide instructions, which include how often and for how long you should whiten your teeth at home. It is important to follow these instructions.

Also, you should use only a dot of whitening gel per tooth section on your tray. Overfilling trays can lead to spillage inside your mouth or on your gums.

Because your tray is customized to fit your smile, following instructions means you should not have issues with gel spillage.

In many cases, patients use their take-home trays in the days leading up to a life event like a wedding or a reunion!

People sometimes talk about gum sensitivity or irritation after using over-the-counter bleaching treatments.

The truth is that these whitening kits are often used incorrectly, hence the issues they experience afterward. Additionally, the trays are not customized to fit your mouth, which means the whitening product will leak onto your gums. Our trays, on the other hand, are designed to fit your mouth.

The overwhelming majority of our patients report no discomfort after their whitening treatment, and the entire process is pain-free.

If you do experience any sensitivity, we suggest stopping the home-whitening treatments for a few days. The sensitivity will disappear, and then you can resume your routine.

At Harlow Dental, we rely on the ZOOM! Whitening System for several reasons. These reasons include fantastic results and ease of use. Part of ease of use means that you are unlikely to experience sensitivity when using the ZOOM! Whitening System.

Is it safe to whiten my teeth?

Professional teeth whitening treatments in Uptown Charlotte, NC, under the discretion of dental professionals, is a very safe and effective way to whiten your teeth. However, we do not recommend over-the-counter systems or online specials because these products do not consider your oral health or your dental restorations.

Additionally, many patients are disappointed with their teeth whitening results after using store-bought applications.  

How does professional teeth whitening compare to store-bought kits in Charlotte, NC?

We cannot vouch for over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, pastes, gels, or whitening trays but our experience tells us that patients are not happy following these applications because the whitening is not significant.

It’s important to remember that store-bought kits are not prescribed by a licensed dental professional. This means drugstore kits may cause sensitivity because of spillage onto the gums and could exacerbate underlying dental issues or harm restorations.

Teeth can dull and stain as you age, but foods, drinks, tobacco, and certain medications also play a role in tooth staining.

Stubborn tartar, which builds up on teeth over time, cannot always be brushed away. This is why we recommend professional teeth cleanings at least twice per year. Tartar can cause teeth to take on a yellow or brownish hue. Our hygienist is able to lift tartar away from your teeth’s enamel.

We recommend:

• Brushing and flossing regularly to help avoid too much tartar buildup between dental cleanings.
• Cutting down on coffee, tea, and wine.
• Stopping smoking.
• Asking your physician if certain medications cause teeth discoloration. We are not suggesting stopping medications, but this may mean using your at-home kit for touch-ups.

How long will my teeth stay white after your dental team has whitened them?

The length of time your teeth stay white depends a lot on genetics—and on your habits after your professional teeth whitening treatment. Make sure to keep your twice-yearly teeth cleaning appointments, cut down on coffee, tea, wine, and other tooth-staining foods and beverages. Ask your medical doctor about medications. Avoid smoking!

If you follow up with at-home whitening treatments on a regular basis, your smile will stay bright and white for a longer length of time.

With proper maintenance and by avoiding things that stain your teeth, ZOOM! results can last for up to two years!

Call Harlow Dental at Steele Creek to Learn More

You don’t have to go through life feeling self-conscious about yellowed or stained teeth. Give us a call to learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment to learn whether this therapy is right for you.

Be sure to come in for a professional teeth cleaning before undergoing the whitening treatment!  

At Harlow Dental, we serve patients in Charlotte, Pineville, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Belmont, Steele Creek, and Uptown Charlotte areas.