FAQs about Teeth Whitening

Have questions about teeth whitening? Teeth whitening is a non-invasive dental procedure used to change the color of tooth enamel. Professional teeth whitening is a miracle solution for stubborn dental stains and yellowing teeth. Led by Dr. Julie Camp-Tome, Dr. Benjamin Wietecha, and Dr. M. Glenn Barker, Hilton Head Dental Team (located in Hilton Head Island, SC) offers professional solutions for patients who want a bright-white smile. Read on to find answers to your most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.

What is take-home teeth whitening?

Professional take-home teeth whitening is a dentist-dispensed do-it-yourself kit to be applied to your teeth in the comfort of your home. First, your dental provider takes an impression of your teeth in the office. A customized dental tray is made for you to take home with your own kit of whitening gel. Professional take-home whitening eliminates dental stains for a whiter smile in just one or two weeks.

How is in-office teeth whitening done?

In-office bleaching is a procedure designed to whiten your smile using a combination of a whitening solution and a specially designed ultraviolet lamp. The whitening solution and lamp are used in conjunction with each other to produce maximum whitening results in the shortest possible time. In-office bleaching will make your teeth about eight shades lighter. All it takes is 60 minutes in the dentist's chair!

How long do the teeth whitening effects last?

Professional teeth whitening isn't permanent. Patients who expose their teeth to beverages and foods that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in a few months. Those who avoid beverages and foods that stain teeth may be able to wait one year or longer before another teeth whitening treatment is needed.

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is very safe when performed under the supervision of your dentist in Hilton Head Island. The two side effects that occur most often are a mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth and an increase in tooth sensitivity. Both of these conditions are usually temporary and disappear within a few days of completing treatment.

How do I maintain my white smile?

After your professional teeth whitening treatment, follow good oral hygiene practices. Floss your teeth once a day, brush twice a day, and rinse with mouthwash at least once a day. Avoid the consumption of products that discolor teeth. To maintain your white smile, you may also need a touch-up after a year or two.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

If you have healthy teeth and gums, you may be a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. Only your dental provider can determine if teeth whitening is suitable for you after conducting an oral exam to ensure proper health. People with exposed roots, tooth decay, or periodontal disease are not good candidates for teeth whitening. These issues need to be addressed before patients seek cosmetic treatments.

Take the first step towards a brand new smile today. Don't delay! Call Hilton Head Dental Team at (843) 681-9666 right now to schedule a dental consultation in Hilton Head Island, SC, and get the smile you deserve. Professional teeth whitening can transform your smile and your life!

Our Location

We are off the Hilton Head Plantations traffic circle to the right, next to Coastal States Bank.

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed