Teeth Whitening In Raleigh
Teeth are not only crucial for eating but also play a key role in communication and social interactions, influencing attractiveness and relationships. However, if you're self-conscious about showing your smile due to damaged, discolored, or missing teeth, it can lead to social withdrawal and embarrassment. In such situations, a consultation with an RDC cosmetic dentist could be transformative, restoring both the beauty of your teeth and your confidence to smile.
Make Those Pearly Whites!
Many patients say that their number one concern is whiter teeth. After all, teeth are one of the first things that people notice about one's appearance, so it's crucial to some to have a healthy, young, and whiter looking smile.
Depending on how much treatment is needed to achieve the desired level of whiteness, some patients may experience sensitivity, which should not happen often if prepared ahead of time with with other professionally prescribed adjuncts. If the problem persists, be sure to tell a dentist, but using over-the-counter tooth-sensitivity toothpaste, Fluoride varnish, or a calcium-phosphate gel (MI paste) can also help to alleviate the discomfort brought on by sensitivity.
Tooth whitening is not only completed for cosmetic reasons. Many patients opt for tooth whitening to reduce the look of discoloration related to medication. Prescription medications such as Tetracycline can discolor teeth if it was prescribed at a young age when the adult teeth were still developing . Other reasons patients may opt for tooth whitening include reducing the look of Fluorosis, which is when a person has too much Fluoride treatment as their teeth are developing.
This condition leaves large white or yellow lines on teeth that can be reduced by tooth whitening. What's excellent about tooth whitening is that it is a non-invasive treatment that can be done quickly and efficiently in the dentist's office.
Anna Abernethy, DDS
Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.
Jill Sonner, DDS
Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.
Anita Wells, DDS
Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.
Long Lasting Aesthetics
Unfortunately, tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. Most patients need to undergo regular tooth whitening sessions to maintain the look and results of their treatments. If patients continue to engage in specific activities after having their teeth whitened, they are more likely to need additional whitening treatments, more often. Events that could increase the need for further tooth whitening treatments include smoking, drinking coffee or tea, as well as red wine. People who eat highly concentrated citrus or heavily colored foods (especially darker berries) may also see the need to whiten more often.
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Home Vs. Dental Professional
Working with a professional dental office to whiten teeth is the ideal approach. While over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions do provide improvements in the levels of discoloration or stains that appear on teeth, having a dentist perform tooth whitening treatment is the most efficient way to achieve the results people want. If having teeth whitened at home is essential to a patient, many dental offices now offer an at-home component or kit that can be purchased and used under the supervision of a dental office. Sometimes, in-office treatment is coupled with at-home treatment to ensure a long-lasting result. Working with a dentist to have teeth whitening also provides a great deal of comfort to patients who might be concerned with tooth sensitivity or side effects. Some patients experience sensitive teeth, gums, and tingling in their mouth.
How It Works
Following a tooth whitening treatment in the dentist's office, patients may experience tooth sensitivity. A dentist will recommend that patients reduce their intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and citrus, tomatoes & berries for a few days while the tooth whitening sets in. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of these beverages and foods anyway because they wear away the enamel, which can reduce the results of the tooth whitening treatment, and increase the need for additional treatments more frequently.
Proper brushing and flossing must be continued, and regular dental visits are essential to maintain the success of the tooth whitening procedure and perform touch-ups as necessary. If patients have questions about whether or not tooth whitening is for them, they should contact their dentist for a consultation. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and provides patients with a boost in their self-esteem.