Teeth Whitening

Your teeth won’t stay white forever, even if you commit to good oral hygiene. Fortunately, teeth whitening can eliminate stains and transform your smile. At Village Dental, cosmetic and general dentist Nils Anderson, DDS, offers in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening trays to people who want brighter smiles. To make an appointment, call the office in Richmond Hill, Georgia, or book one online today.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening uses safe, medical-grade solutions to eliminate stains caused by poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or the natural aging process.

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson whitens teeth with substances like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. When these ingredients make contact with your tooth enamel, they oxidize the molecules deep inside, minimizing the appearance of stains and discoloration. 

Why do teeth change color?

Most people experience tooth discoloration because of the natural aging process. Your enamel wears away over the years, revealing more of the yellow dentin beneath. 

Several other factors also increase the risk of discolored teeth, including:

• Tobacco use
• Taking medications with tetracycline
• Oral trauma
• Eating certain foods (i.e., tomato-based sauces)
• Drinking coffee, black tea, or soda

You might also experience tooth stains or discoloration if you don’t brush and floss regularly.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson offers several types of teeth whitening, including:

In-office teeth whitening

In-office whitening makes your teeth up to eight shades lighter in a single visit. Dr. Anderson applies a whitening gel to your teeth and then points a light at them to trigger a brightening reaction. He does this several times until you’re pleased with the results.

Take-home teeth whitening

You have the option to whiten your teeth at home. A take-home teeth whitening kit contains two plastic custom-fitted mouthpieces and a bottle of whitening gel. You line the mouthpieces with gel and wear them for several hours a day when it’s convenient.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they last between three and four months on average. To extend your results, Dr. Anderson recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, quitting tobacco use, and drinking beverages like coffee or soda through a straw.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and typically well tolerated, but it’s important to work with a qualified cosmetic dentist like Dr. Anderson and the staff at Village Dental.

After a review of your dental records, a discussion of your goals, and an oral exam, Dr. Anderson can make treatment recommendations that align with your needs.

If you want a brighter and more vibrant smile, schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Village Dental by calling the office or booking online today.