• Teeth Whitening

  • Tooth enamel comes in different shades and may change over time. Your canine teeth are naturally darker compared to your other anterior teeth due to the differences in their thickness.  While there are a variety of methods available that can help whiten teeth, they might not all be right for you.

    If you’d like to whiten your teeth, the dental professionals at Starling Family Dentistry are more than happy to review all of your options with you. We’ve been helping patients in Keystone Heights, Melrose, Starke, Lake Butler, and the surrounding areas achieve the white smiles they’ve always wanted since 1994.

    Why aren’t my teeth white?

    There are a few different reasons why your teeth are not as white as you’d like.  Some causes may be associated with:

    • Injury
    • Genetics
    • Sickness
    • Medicine
    • Age
    • Tobacco use
    • Contact with certain foods or drinks
    • Excess fluoride during tooth development
    • Erosion of Enamel

    Despite the reasons for the state of your teeth, there are many different options to brighten your smile.

    How can I whiten my teeth?

    Depending on your desired results and needs, you may opt for a process you can do from the comfort of your own home, or one that is administered in a dental office.

    Self-Applications

    There are a range of at-home processes you may use to whiten your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays are some of the more common options.  

    Toothpaste

    This is the gentlest kind of whitening technique. You can use whitening toothpaste at home without the supervision of a dental professional. This technique whitens using a polishing action instead of chemicals.  Keep in mind that over use of these products can result in the thinning of your enamel due to over polishing which will in turn cause your teeth to look darker.  Your enamel is translucent and the underlying dentin is naturally a yellow-like color, so the thinner the enamel gets, the more the yellow dentin will show through the enamel.  Only use these tooth paste periodically and not as a daily toothpaste.

    Whitening toothpaste can lighten your teeth, but it will not get your teeth as white as other products containing chemicals. When used correctly, it should whiten your teeth slowly over a few days or weeks. While most whitening toothpastes can easily be bought over the counter, they have not all earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. In regards to oral hygiene, it is best to use products that have been reviewed by the ADA and carry their Seal of Acceptance.

    Sheer White Strips

    We offer at home clinical strength whitening strips for patients of record. These strips are more concentrated than whitening strips found over the counter and tend to be more user friendly.   While they can produce the results you desire, they should only be used as directed.

    Trays

    Dental professionals can custom fit a tray for your teeth that you take home and use with whitening gel to brighten your teeth. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have regarding this procedure.

     

    Office Treatments

    ICON

    We are able to blend some decalcification (white spots) with a resin infiltration concept treatment that requires no anesthesia or tooth preparation with significant
    results. These areas can be common after orthodontic treatment is completed and in mouth breathers who dehydrate anterior teeth. Results are significantly increased when treated soon after orthodontics is completed.

    How do I take care of my teeth after a whitening treatment?

    If you are utilizing toothpaste or strips, carefully follow the instructions included in the packaging. When being fitted for a dental tray or treated for other in-office whitening procedures, the dental professionals will instruct you on how to take care of your teeth after your treatment.  In some cases, your teeth and gums may be sensitive or susceptible after a whitening session. To maintain white teeth, avoid stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco.

    Starling Family Dentistry loves seeing the joy a whiter smile can bring to patients from Keystone Heights, Melrose, Starke, Lake Butler, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (352) 473-9090 to schedule an appointment to go over the ways we can bring a brighter smile into your life!

     

  • Office Treatments

    For tougher stains, quicker change, and a bigger difference, an in-office whitening treatment might be right for you.  Dental professionals are specially trained to administer a higher dosage of peroxide to get your teeth whiter than you can at home. A laser or light may also be used along with the peroxide. To protect your gums, the dental professionals may use a gel or thin sheet of rubber. While in-office treatments cannot be done at home, the process is very quick and the most effective.

    How do I take care of my teeth after a whitening treatment?

    If you are utilizing a toothpaste or strips, carefully follow the instructions included in the packaging. When being fitted for a dental tray or treated for other in-office whitening procedures, the dental professionals will instruct you on how to take care of your teeth after your treatment. In some cases, your teeth and gums may be sensitive or susceptible after a whitening session. To promote white teeth, avoid stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco.

    Starling Family Dentistry loves seeing the joy a whiter smile can bring to patients from Keystone Heights, Melrose, Starke, Lake Butler, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (352) 473-9090 to schedule an appointment to go over the ways we can bring that joy into your life!