Do you have yellowed, discolored teeth? Contact Dr. E. Taylor Meiser for professional teeth whitening treatment in Annapolis, MD. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that can help reverse years of tooth stains.
Teeth can become yellow, discolored, or stained over time. At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we offer teeth whitening treatments to help brighten your smile and make it look healthier.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Your teeth can stain over time because of these factors:
Poor Oral Hygiene
When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria start to build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. If it’s not cleaned off, it can turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove. This buildup can cause your teeth to appear yellow or dull because it traps stains from food and drinks like coffee, tea, or soda.
Tobacco Use
Over time, smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products can stain the teeth. Nicotine yellows the tooth’s enamel and can cause deep stains. We recommend that patients refrain from using tobacco products after whitening. This will help preserve the effects for as long as possible.
Foods and Drinks
Common causes of tooth stains are foods and beverages that contain chromogens. Chromogens are staining pigments in coffee, wine, tea, tomatoes, and berries. Deeply colored beverages are very prone to staining teeth. After consuming any of these, we advise patients to brush their teeth immediately afterward to remove chromogens. A routine oral hygiene routine can help lessen staining in conjunction with a whitening treatment.
Injury or Tooth Wear
Patients who chip or break a tooth may notice that it appears discolored. Additionally, as the enamel wears away, worn teeth can become discolored. Dentin, the dark underlayer beneath the tooth enamel, becomes more visible as teeth age and become worn. We often recommend veneers or tooth bonding to cover this tooth discoloration.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
While store-bought whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste can seem like easy options, professional teeth whitening offers many advantages that make it a better choice for most people. Here’s why:
More Effective Results
Over-the-counter whitening products often don’t work as well because they don’t penetrate deep enough into your tooth enamel to make a noticeable difference. They mainly focus on surface stains, which means they may not get your teeth as white as you’d like. Professional whitening treatments can reach deeper layers of your teeth to give you brighter and more noticeable results.
Less Risk of Sensitivity
Many over-the-counter whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity or discomfort because they contain strong chemicals. If these products aren’t applied correctly, they can even harm your gums or enamel. With professional whitening, Dr. Meiser can adjust the strength of the treatment based on your needs to make it more comfortable and reduce the risk of irritation. You won’t have to worry about hurting your teeth or gums.
Custom Treatment for Your Smile
Store-bought whitening products are one-size-fits-all, which means they may not fit your teeth properly. This can lead to uneven results or potential irritation. Professional whitening is customized to fit your smile. Dr. Meiser will ensure that the whitening gel is evenly applied to all your teeth. This provides more consistent, natural-looking results.
Safer and Supervised
Since your professional whitening treatment will be done in the dentist’s office, Dr. Meiser can closely supervise the process so everything goes smoothly. If you have concerns like tooth sensitivity or dental conditions, he can provide extra care to avoid problems. This level of supervision is not available with over-the-counter products, which can sometimes cause issues.
In-Office and Take-Home Teeth Whitening in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Meiser offers in-office and take-home whitening treatment to patients at Lighthouse Family Dentistry. Learn about each treatment below:
In-Office Whitening
To begin treatment, Dr. Meiser covers the gums to isolate the teeth. This reduces the risk of gum irritation. He ensures that the whitening agents do not irritate the gums.
Then, he applies the customized whitening gel to the tooth enamel. He removes the gel after it has penetrated the enamel. Patients who want instant results benefit from this type of whitening. We also recommend in-office treatment for patients attending special events like graduations, weddings, and birthdays.
Take-Home Whitening
Our take-home whitening products offer a convenient and comfortable alternative for patients who want to whiten their teeth at home. However, patients will still need to visit our office for impressions.
Using dental impressions, we can provide patients with customized whitening trays. Once the custom trays are complete, we provide patients with a whitening kit that includes the trays and a whitening gel.
How to Keep Your Teeth Bright
Bright, white teeth can help you feel more confident and improve your overall appearance. To maintain a healthy, bright smile, follow these tips:
Brush and Floss Daily
You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can cause surface stains. We also recommend that you floss at least once a day before brushing. Flossing removes debris between your teeth that a toothbrush might miss. This combination keeps your teeth clean, healthy, and bright.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products, like cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, can cause your teeth to yellow or stain over time. The chemicals in tobacco can also harm your gums and increase your risk for gum disease and other oral health issues. To keep your smile bright, it’s best to avoid tobacco completely.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, can stain teeth. While it doesn’t mean you have to avoid them completely, try to limit how often you consume them. You can also drink water afterward or brush your teeth to reduce staining. Foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables (such as apples and carrots) can also help clean your teeth as you eat.
Get Regular Dental Cleanings
We always recommend that you visit our office for a regular check-up every six months. These routine visits can also keep your teeth bright. Regular cleanings remove built-up plaque and tartar that you can’t get rid of by brushing alone. Cleanings not only keep your teeth white but also ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry service because of its many benefits. Learn more below.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most people with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from whitening. It works best on natural teeth, not on crowns, veneers, or fillings. Patients with tooth decay or gum disease should have those issues treated first. We can help determine if whitening is right for you.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Results can last anywhere from several months to a few years. The duration depends on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking coffee. Touch-up treatments can help maintain your bright smile. Following our recommendations will extend the effects.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed under a dentist’s supervision. Dentists use controlled bleaching agents to avoid damaging enamel or gums. Temporary sensitivity may occur in some patients. Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
Professional whitening does not damage healthy teeth. Over-the-counter products used excessively or incorrectly can weaken enamel. Dentists evaluate your teeth first to make sure whitening is safe. Following instructions ensures the treatment enhances your smile without harm.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods after whitening. This usually subsides within a few days. Using fluoride toothpaste and following the dentist’s instructions can reduce discomfort. Sensitivity is generally mild and not harmful.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Professional whitening can usually be repeated every six months to a year. Overuse of whitening products can cause enamel damage or increased sensitivity. Dr. Meiser will recommend a schedule based on your oral health and lifestyle. Occasional touch-ups can help maintain your results.
Can teeth whitening remove all stains?
Teeth whitening is very effective on most surface stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking. It is less effective on deep discoloration caused by medications or dental trauma. Veneers, crowns, and fillings do not respond to whitening. Dr. Meiser can recommend options to match these restorations if needed.
Are there foods I should avoid after whitening?
Yes, it’s best to avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 24–48 hours after treatment. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces can discolor teeth. Smoking also reduces the longevity of whitening results. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps preserve your bright smile.
How soon will I see results?
In-office whitening often produces immediate results after a single session. At-home treatments take longer, usually one to two weeks for the full effect. The final shade depends on your teeth’s initial color and the type of staining. We can help set realistic expectations for your results.
How do I maintain a bright smile after whitening?
Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing, helps maintain results. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages prolongs brightness. Dr. Meiser may recommend touch-up treatments as needed. Regular dental cleanings also keep your teeth healthy and vibrant.
Brighten Your Smile in Annapolis Today
Do you want to whiten your discolored teeth? Get teeth whitening in our Annapolis, MD, dental office.
Call Dr. Meiser today at 410-324-7287 or schedule a dental appointment with him on our website. Please let Dr. Meiser or a member of his team know if you have tooth sensitivity concerns. They will help customize treatment to your needs and goals.