Do you hide your smile in photos because your teeth look yellow or stained? Maybe you’ve tried whitening toothpaste or drugstore strips, only to feel disappointed with the results. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to settle for a duller smile.
Dr. Vernon Sheen offers professional teeth whitening at The Annapolis Center for Dental Health & Wellness. As one of the few dentists in Annapolis to offer GLO in-office whitening, he can help you achieve a noticeably brighter smile in about an hour. Whether you prefer the speed of in-office treatment or the convenience of at-home whitening, we’ll help you find the right option for your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Why Do I Have Tooth Stains?
The most common causes of tooth stains, yellow teeth, and discolored teeth include:
- Food and drinks: Highly pigmented foods and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, tea, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and berries, can stain your teeth over time. Additionally, acidic foods and beverages can lead to tooth wear. The acids break down the outer layer of the tooth, or enamel. Tooth wear can expose dentin, the darker underlayer beneath the enamel.
- Poor oral hygiene: If you do not consistently brush and floss, tooth stains can stay on your tooth enamel. Plaque, a bacterial film, can also coat your teeth, making them appear more yellow.
- Tobacco: The nicotine in tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes turns the teeth yellow. Years of tobacco use can result in yellow teeth and can increase the risk of problems like gum disease and dry mouth.
- Aging: As we get older, our enamel naturally thins, revealing the darker dentin beneath. This is a normal part of aging, but whitening can help
- Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics, can cause intrinsic staining that’s deeper than surface stains.
Teeth Whitening Treatments in Annapolis, MD
When you visit Dr. Sheen for a whitening consultation, he will first examine your teeth and gums to make sure whitening is a safe option. He’ll check for cavities, loose fillings, and gum problems. If any issues need treatment first, we’ll address those before whitening.
Then he will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your goals. He’ll explain the difference between in-office and at-home options, along with expected results and costs. After your exam, Dr. Sheen will recommend the most appropriate treatment option for whitening your teeth.
GLO Teeth Whitening in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Sheen is one of the few dentists in Annapolis to offer GLO in-office teeth whitening. He can complete this professional whitening treatment in one visit.
During teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Sheen will apply a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide whitening gel directly to your teeth. Unlike traditional whitening systems, GLO uses a patented mouthpiece that gently warms and lights the gel with LED technology. This piece accelerates the whitening process and minimizes tooth sensitivity.
You’ll wear the mouthpiece for a series of 8-minute cycles, with the full treatment lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, you can relax while the system works to lift years of stains caused by coffee, wine, or aging.
Advantages of GLO In-Office Whitening:
- Whitens teeth up to 12 shades in just one visit
- Fast 16-minute treatment time per session
- No sensitivity or tooth dehydration
- Uses patented Guided Light Optics that combines LED light and gentle warming heat
- High-strength hydrogen peroxide gel for powerful whitening (available in 24% and 30%)
- Universal, autoclavable mouthpiece. No messy impressions or trays
- Built-in desensitizing agents for a comfortable, pain-free experience
- Closed-system design prevents contamination and maximizes results
- Results are long-lasting and stable
Because of GLO’s unique closed-system design, the gel stays in place, so your lips and gums stay protected. When your treatment is complete, you’ll leave the office with a noticeably brighter smile. You can get care with no pain, no messy trays, and no downtime. If you want the fastest, most dramatic results, GLO in-office whitening is the way to go.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Solutions
If you prefer to whiten on your own schedule, our at-home whitening system is a convenient and affordable option. It’s ideal for patients with busy lives who can’t fit an in-office appointment into their week.
Dr. Sheen begins by taking an impression of your smile. He uses these impressions to create a set of custom-fit trays that hold the whitening gel firmly against your teeth. You’ll wear the trays for a specified time each day, depending on the gel’s strength. Most patients wear them for at least two weeks to get the best results.
You’ll keep these trays for future whitening sessions, so you can touch up your smile whenever you need to.
Alternatives To Whitening
Alternative teeth whitening options include porcelain veneers and dental crowns. These options work for patients with intrinsic tooth stains, which occur when stains enter the tooth. Teeth whitening treatments only treat stains in the outer tooth layer. We often recommend crowns, veneers, or bonding to cover stained and damaged teeth that we can’t treat with whitening.
Patient Review
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you have more questions or concerns? We can help. Learn more with answers to these common patient questions about teeth whitening in Annapolis, MD.
Is professional teeth whitening painful?
No. It is a non-invasive cosmetic dental service that does not cause pain during treatment. We will not even need to numb your mouth. Our dental care team will make sure you are comfortable during treatment so that you have the best experience possible.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is a temporary symptom of teeth whitening. Not every patient who gets teeth whitening will experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which will go away within a couple of hours. If you still feel sensitivity after a few days, visit us for a dental exam.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when done correctly. Whitening done by a dentist is usually safe and effective. They use special products and take care to protect your gums and teeth. Store-bought whitening kits can also be safe if used as directed. Follow the instructions carefully and use products approved by dental professionals.
Can I whiten my dentures?
No. You can’t whiten your dentures with teeth whitening treatments. Modern dentures don’t easily stain or discolor over time because they’re made of highly stain-resistant material. But you can get a new restoration if you have old or dull dentures.
What foods and drinks should I avoid after whitening?
After teeth whitening, avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. First, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, as these can stain your freshly whitened teeth. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also stain your teeth.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, and pickles can weaken your enamel, making your teeth more prone to staining. Also, avoid brightly colored candies, popsicles, and foods with added coloring.
Can everyone get teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening works best on natural teeth. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, they won’t change color, so the whitening might not look even. If you have sensitive teeth or gum issues, whitening might cause discomfort. Talk to your dentist if you have these problems.
Deep or old stains might not respond well to whitening. In some cases, other treatments might be needed. Teeth whitening is usually not recommended for children and teens under 16 because their teeth are still developing. Younger patients can feel more sensitivity.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last 6 to 12 months. To ensure your whitening results last, follow these tips:
- Brush and floss every day
- Avoid staining and acidic foods and drinks
- Visit our office for routine care
How many teeth whitening treatments do I need?
The number of teeth whitening treatments you need can depend on the type of treatment. If you get whitening done at the dentist’s office, you might only need one or two visits to see noticeable results. For in-home kits, it usually takes a few weeks of daily treatments to get the best results.
You might need more treatments to achieve the level of whiteness you want for deeply stained or discolored teeth. Some people want a brighter smile and may need more treatments, while others are happy with less dramatic changes.
Get Whiter Teeth Today
Are you ready for a brighter, whiter smile? Contact Dr. Sheen to learn which teeth whitening treatment is right for you. Call (443) 482-5202 or schedule an appointment online.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening, contact our Annapolis dentist office. We’re here to help you.