Teeth Whitening

There are many options to help people whiten their smiles, both in-office and at-home. At Doswell Orthodontics, we offer Opalescence®: an at-home whitening gel that you can use while you are straightening your teeth during Invisalign® treatment or while you are in retainers. Opalescence is the global leader in professional teeth whitening, which is why we offer it at our office — it works and is easy, convenient, and safe!

We offer a concentration that provides great results while reducing the likelihood of experiencing tooth or gum sensitivity.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

  • Is whitening for everyone? Most individuals can whiten their teeth safely and comfortably. Pregnant women and individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities and exposed roots should not whiten their teeth.
  • Whiten before any planned dental work – You should whiten your teeth BEFORE any dental work (such as build-ups, crowns, bridges, fillings or veneers) is completed. Whitening products will whiten your teeth, but they cannot whiten crowns, bridges, fillings or veneers.
  • Can you whiten with Invisalign attachments in place? Yes, the active ingredient penetrates your enamel, and oxygen molecules from the whitening agent spread underneath the surface (below the attachment), so you whiten the entire tooth.
  • How quickly do you notice results? Typically, one can expect to observe results within ten to 14 days when using at-home professional tray whitening. However, it’s possible to begin noticing changes in as little as three to five days.

Give us a call at 804-256-2808 to discuss your teeth whitening options and how we can help you achieve a whiter smile! Schedule your appointment with our orthodontist at Doswell Orthodontics. Let Dr. Katie Doswell whiten your smile with Opalescence teeth whitening in Richmond, Virginia.

FAQ

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How does professional teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent, typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains on the enamel. Our orthodontist and team will apply the solution to your teeth, which penetrates the enamel to lift both surface and deep stains, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile in just one session.

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Is teeth whitening safe for my teeth?

Yes, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when done under the supervision of a dental professional. The whitening agents are carefully controlled to minimize sensitivity, and our orthodontist and team will ensure your gums and surrounding tissues are protected during the treatment.

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How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

The results of professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on your lifestyle habits. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain and maintaining good oral hygiene can help extend the longevity of your whitening results.

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Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening, but this typically subsides within a few days. Our orthodontist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or gel to reduce discomfort. Professional whitening systems are designed to minimize sensitivity while still providing excellent results.

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Can I whiten my teeth if I have braces or a retainer?

Whitening your teeth with braces can be challenging because the whitening agent may not reach the areas covered by brackets. We recommend that you wait until after your orthodontic treatment is complete. If you wear a removable retainer, take it out during whitening treatments to avoid uneven results. Our orthodontist can guide you on the best time for whitening.