What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth enamel naturally darkens over time. Many everyday habits — like sipping coffee or cola, enjoying richly pigmented foods, or smoking — contribute to external staining. Meanwhile, certain medications, aging, and even genetics can cause internal discoloration.
Surface stains, also called extrinsic stains, typically respond well to traditional teeth whitening treatments. However, deeper intrinsic stains may require more specialized care, like internal bleaching or cosmetic veneers. As your trusted cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michelle Collier will recommend the best approach based on your goals and tooth condition.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
It’s tempting to reach for whitening strips or trays from the store, but those products often fall short. Here’s why professional teeth whitening from a cosmetic dentist makes all the difference:
- Stronger, faster results: In-office whitening uses higher-concentration gels for immediate and dramatic improvement — often several shades whiter in just one visit.
- Customized approach: We tailor treatment to your individual needs, minimizing sensitivity and maximizing effectiveness.
- Expert guidance: Whitening is safest and most effective under the supervision of a dentist who can identify and treat underlying dental issues first.
- Even, natural-looking results: We ensure uniform whitening, so your smile appears radiant, not patchy or artificial.
At Waterstone Family Dentistry, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening solutions.
In-Office Whitening
Want fast results? Our in-office whitening treatment is ideal for patients seeking a noticeable difference in a single appointment. After protecting your gums and soft tissue, we apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a specialized light. The process is simple, safe, and takes about an hour.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Prefer to whiten your teeth at your convenience? We offer custom-made trays and professional whitening gel for you to use at home. You’ll wear the trays daily for a specified amount of time, and within a week or two, you’ll enjoy a significantly brighter smile. Take-home kits are a great option for patients who want to whiten gradually or maintain the results of in-office whitening over time.
Internal Bleaching for Discolored Teeth
If one or more of your teeth have darkened due to trauma, decay, or a root canal, you may benefit from a technique known as internal bleaching. This treatment is designed to brighten the tooth from the inside out. Your cosmetic dentist will carefully place a whitening agent within the tooth and seal it temporarily. After a few days, the material is removed and replaced with a permanent filling or crown.
Internal bleaching can restore the natural look of an otherwise healthy tooth, blending it seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Maintaining Your Bright Smile
To help your whitening results last as long as possible, we recommend:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Rinsing your mouth after consuming stain-causing foods or drinks
- Visiting us for regular cleanings and checkups
We also offer whitening touch-ups to keep your smile looking fresh year after year.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective for most patients, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Whitening treatments don’t work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues, these will need to be addressed first.
As your trusted cosmetic dentist, Dr. Collier will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals during your consultation. If whitening isn’t the best fit for you, she’ll explore other cosmetic options such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers to help you achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
Visit Your Fuquay-Varina Cosmetic Dentist for a Brighter Smile
If you’ve been searching for a safe and effective way to enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening might be the perfect solution. At Waterstone Family Dentistry, we combine clinical expertise with a warm, patient-first approach, helping you feel confident, informed, and comfortable throughout the process.
Ready to take the next step toward a brighter, whiter smile? Contact our office today to schedule your cosmetic consultation. We look forward to showing you what expert, compassionate care can do for your smile.
