Teeth Whitening in San Antonio, TX
Whiter and Brighter Teeth Begin at Culebra North Dental Care
Introducing Culebra North Dental Care
Dr. Jonathan E. Quillian is a leading dentist in the fields of restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry and has devoted over 30 years to providing teeth whitening to clients in San Antonio, Leon Valley, Castroville, Helotes, Bandera, and the surrounding areas. Both he and his associate Dr. Shelly Sproull regularly keep up to date on the latest techniques in dentistry to ensure that each patient receives premium care. Their practice, Culebra North Dental Care, offers a large array of services, including teeth straightening, implants, sealants, fillings, and root canals.
Teeth Whitening at Culebra North Dental Care
Teeth can lose their luster for a number of reasons, including smoking, drinking coffee or cola, tooth wear, and excessive fluoride. This kind of staining or discoloration falls under two categories: intrinsic staining and extrinsic staining.
Types of Stains:
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains form on the interior of a tooth and are typically caused by exposure to medications, such as tetracycline, or excessive intake of fluoride. At Culebra North Dental Care, these kinds of stains can safely be removed by either using kits or trays prepared for use at home or during an in-office visit.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains are surface stains that form on the teeth from exposure to dark-colored foods or beverages, from tobacco use, or because of wear and tear. Usually minor stains can be removed through a dental cleaning and proper brushing. However, stains that prove to be more stubborn are usually eliminated by scheduling an in-office whitening or by using whitening kits or office-prepared trays at home.
What to Expect
Everyone starts out with a tooth shade that either tends to be yellowish-brown or greenish-gray. When it comes to whitening teeth, people whose natural shade is yellowish-brown typically are found to be more responsive when a whitening treatment is applied. In the dental office, shade guides can help the dentist show the patient the expected results. Most people who opt for the procedure will see their teeth whiten from two to seven shades in intensity.
Types of Whitening Options:
Habitual consumption of such beverages as tea, cola, red wine or the use of certain drugs or chemicals can produce gradual staining over time. Biting edges can also darken when people grind their teeth. Fortunately, Culebra North Dental Care offers three types of teeth whitening options. These options include in-office whitening, professionally prepared whitening kits or trays, and over-the-counter type kits.
In-office Whitening
If you decide to opt for in-office whitening, you’ll see dramatic results almost immediately. People with especially sensitive teeth are good candidates for this service, too. A highly concentrated peroxide gel is applied to the teeth after the gums are isolated and separated with a paint-on rubber dam. The peroxide is then left on the teeth for approximately 15-minute intervals, no longer than an hour overall. If you have problem staining, another whitening appointment may be scheduled, or you’ll be given a kit or prepared tray to use at home.
Prepared Whitening Trays
Take-home prepared whitening trays offer a more affordable way to whiten teeth. A lower concentration of peroxide is used, and the gel is applied and kept on the teeth for a specific period of time – in some cases, overnight. The gel is prepared in customized trays that cover each set of teeth.
In-home Whitening Kits
Whitening kits, or over-the-counter whitening, offers the least expensive way to whiten teeth. These kits contain a smaller concentration of peroxide than other whitening methods and are applied by way of trays, paint-on applicators or strips. While prepared trays generally whiten all of the teeth, some of these kits may only capture a portion of the smile.
Sensitivity – The Main Side Effect
Sensitivity is often the main side effect that results from whitening the teeth. Thus, while whitening is generally considered safe, some patients can experience some discomfort, as well. Usually the condition will only last a couple days. However, there have been some people who have reported problems with sensitivity that lasted as long as a month.
Gum Irritation Can be an Issue
Gum irritation can be a minor issue, as well, but any pain will generally subside after about a week. Also, remember that whitening will not affect veneers or crowns. It only whitens the natural teeth.
Good Teeth Whitening Candidates
Results from teeth whitening last about a year or a little longer before you have to re-whiten them. Good candidates for teeth whitening include those individuals with stained or discolored teeth who want to quickly brighten their smile.
When Treatment is Not Advised
The treatment is not advised for pregnant patients, people with a gum infection, or anyone under 16 years of age. Also, people who require dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings, should opt out of treatment until they receive the requisite dental work.
Contact Culebra North Dental Care Today
If you are interested in teeth whitening or feel that you are a good candidate, start by setting up a consultation at Culebra North Dental Care today and phone 210-265-6255. Spots fill quickly, so call or schedule an appointment by filling out Culebra’s convenient online form. Culebra North Dental Care is the first choice in dental care for residents living in San Antonio, Leon Valley, Castroville, Helotes, Bandera, and the surrounding area.