What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can remove years of stains and discoloration from your natural teeth. We utilize two different whitening systems at our office. The first is known as BriteSmile, which is an in-office treatment that can be done in about an hour. Our take-home whitening option is called Day White, because the whitening trays are worn for about an hour each day, providing drastic results you can achieve in the comfort of your own bedroom.
Contact our Virginia dentists to schedule an appointment. We have dental offices in four locations for your convenience: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum.
Why Is Teeth Whitening Needed?
Your teeth can begin to dull and yellow over time with age. If you’re a smoker, chew tobacco, or drink a lot of dark, staining beverages, you’ll find that your teeth stain and discolor faster than when you were young. Whitening is needed to remove these stains and get rid of deep discoloration. Professional whitening yields faster and higher quality results that are expertly monitored throughout the course of treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a good candidate for whitening if you’re tired of feeling badly about your smile, or if you are planning on attending an upcoming event that wants to look your best. Keep in mind that whitening only has an effect on your natural teeth. If you have restorations, like veneers, fillings, crowns, and bridges, they may not lighten with the use of whitening treatments. However, you can choose to have your natural teeth whitened before these restorations are made and placed for you.
What Happens During Professional Teeth Whitening?
For our BriteSmile system, you’ll come into our office and have a gel applied to the teeth. A bright light is used to accelerate the results you’ll achieve with the system. The gel is removed and reapplied shortly after beginning, and the procedure is considered finished in about an hour. You can experience a smile that’s up to 14 shades lighter before leaving the office. Our Day White system provides you with whitening trays and a patented gel formula that you use at home. The trays should be worn for an hour each day, for about two weeks. You’ll experience a smile that’s 14 shades whiter than before beginning the process.
Understanding Tooth Discoloration and Staining Causes
Tooth discoloration occurs for a variety of reasons, including the buildup of surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products. These extrinsic staining examples affect the outer enamel surface and can often be corrected with professional teeth whitening methods. Intrinsic staining examples—such as tetracycline stain or discoloration due to trauma—can be more difficult to address, often requiring specialized whitening treatment or cosmetic restorations.
The Science Behind the Whitening Process
Most in office whitening procedures use a peroxide gel—typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—as the active bleaching agent. These ingredients work by releasing oxygen molecules that break down colored compounds on the tooth surface. The bleaching efficacy depends on the strength of the compound and the application technique. In our dental office locations throughout Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton, our dental professionals rely on evidence-based dental practice and advanced whitening products to ensure optimal results.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity and Gum Irritation
It’s common for patients to experience increased tooth sensitivity or gingival irritation during and after a whitening procedure. This is due to the penetration of the bleaching solution into the tooth enamel and dentin, sometimes affecting the nerve. Our in office bleaching options are carefully applied to avoid overexposure and help minimize the risk of aggressive bleaching or damage to the enamel surface. If you’re using whitening strips or over the counter products at home, be mindful of how frequently you apply them, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
How Whitening Interacts with Oral Health and Restorations
Teeth whitening is safe when performed under the supervision of trained dental professionals. However, it’s important to understand that whitening toothpastes and rinses may not work on ceramic crowns or other dental restorations. These products can improve surface stain removal, but won’t change the shade of prosthetic materials. Individuals with gum disease or periodontal disease should treat those conditions before undergoing any whitening procedure.
Lifestyle Choices That Affect Whitening Results
After your whitening treatment, our team recommends that you avoid acidic foods and beverages for at least 48 hours. Acidic foods can temporarily soften the tooth structure, increasing the risk of enamel erosion and reducing the effectiveness of the whitening results. To preserve your whiter teeth, limit consumption of staining agents such as red wine, dark sodas, and coffee.
The Long-Term Value of Professional Whitening
While over the counter products like whitening rinses or strips may offer limited results, the controlled environment of in office treatment provides longer-lasting and more dramatic outcomes. By using a professional-grade carbamide peroxide bleaching gel and expert techniques, we can safely remove stains caused by the acquired dental pellicle and improve your oral health with fewer side effects.
Why Teeth Whitening Matters for Your Smile
Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to refresh your appearance and restore confidence in your smile. Over time, everyday habits like drinking coffee, red wine, or tea can leave behind surface stains that dull your teeth. Smoking, certain medications, and natural aging can also lead to deeper tooth discoloration. That’s where professional teeth whitening comes in—delivering safer, faster, and more noticeable results compared to over the counter products.
At The Foleck Center, our dental professionals use advanced whitening systems designed to lift stains from the tooth enamel without compromising your oral health. Whether you visit us in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Hampton, we tailor your whitening treatment to your smile’s unique needs.
Choosing the Right Whitening Method
There are many teeth whitening methods available today, from whitening strips and whitening toothpastes to in office whitening treatments. But not all options are equally effective. In office bleaching with professional-grade peroxide gel provides quicker and longer-lasting whitening results by penetrating deeper layers of the tooth structure and breaking up stains at their source.
Our in office treatment uses a powerful yet safe carbamide peroxide bleaching gel, which releases hydrogen peroxide during the whitening process. This bleaching agent targets both surface and deeper stains, even helping with tough cases like tetracycline stain or intrinsic discoloration. Compared to whitening products bought in stores, professional teeth whitening is more precise, better monitored, and less likely to cause gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.
Keeping Your Smile Bright After Treatment
After completing your whitening procedure, it’s essential to maintain your results by avoiding acidic foods, brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste, and scheduling regular cleanings. Teeth whitening safe practices include limiting your exposure to staining substances and using touch-up whitening products as recommended by your dentist.
Our patients often ask, “Does teeth whitening work on yellow teeth or brown teeth?” The answer is yes—especially when handled by dental professionals. While whitening treatments may not change the color of dental restorations like ceramic crowns, they can dramatically improve the appearance of your natural teeth. We also ensure that those with sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or past issues with enamel erosion receive personalized care that protects their oral health.
