Questions for Your Wilmington Dentist
Educating yourself about you and your family's dental health is a smart thing to do, and that's why we've included a list of commonly asked questions below.
Your comfort is our biggest priority, and that's why we want you to have as much information as possible. If you can't find your question or have an additional one, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is an easy and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. Teeth that have been stained by smoking, certain food and drink, and natural 
yellowing due to aging can usually be dramatically improved with teeth whitening. However, teeth whitening cannot remove every type of stain or discoloration.
Sensitive Gums and Teeth? No Problem!
If you have very sensitive teeth and gums, we may need to use products designed to reduce sensitivity and keep you comfortable during teeth whitening treatment. Based on the level of your sensitivity, we can also make specific recommendation as far as frequency and length of treatment.
If you decide that you’d like to change the appearance of your smile with teeth whitening, we will be happy to take time to discuss your expectations and the causes of staining to help you decide if teeth whitening is the most appropriate solution for you. At this time we will also discuss other cosmetic dental treatment options so that you can make an informed decision.
Contact Us To Book Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
Teeth whitening is very effective for many people, but it is not the best choice for everyone. Please contact our office to make an appointment for a dental cleaning, and we will be happy to assess your situation and make appropriate recommendations.
Teeth whitening is perhaps one of the fastest and most affordable cosmetic dental treatments available. Many people want a beautiful, blemish-free smile, but they often wonder how long professional teeth whitening lasts.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The effects of teeth whitening do not last forever. Over time, our teeth eventually collect more stains; it is only natural.
The longevity of a person's teeth bleaching treatment depends on their oral hygiene habits, diet, lifestyle, and even the thickness of their enamel. However, most people tend to have results that last for several months or longer.
Dr. Bruce Matthews uses a high-quality whitening system that is gentle on sensitive teeth, long-lasting, and thoroughly removes tough stains and discoloration.
Tips for Maintaining a White Smile
- Limit your consumption of highly-pigmented foods or drinks, like ketchup, tomato sauce, tea, and red wine
- Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming any stain-causing foods or drinks
- Practice excellent oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
- Visit your dentist for routine dental cleanings and exams in Wilmington, DE
Please contact our dental office today to schedule a teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Matthews.
Teeth whitening is a popular way to give your smile and update. However, a common concern that patients have when considering teeth whitening is if the procedure is safe for their teeth. The answer is - yes.
The Professional Teeth Whitening Process
Modern bleaching gels contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that are not only effective but also more comfortable for your teeth since they reduce sensitivity.
A good rule of thumb if safety is a concern, however, is to choose professional teeth whitening in Wilmington with your dentist. Your dentist makes custom bleaching trays with impressions taken of your teeth. This protects your gums and soft tissues from any leakage of whitening gel, which could cause irritation.
Reducing Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is also known for causing tooth sensitivity in the past. Choosing professional bleaching with your dentist allows them to help you if sensitivity should become a concern. Your dentist can recommend fluoride products that help reduce sensitivity after bleaching. They can also adjust the strength of your bleaching gel to suit your needs if sensitivity becomes a concern.
Teeth Whitening in Wilmington DE
If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening in Wilmington, or about any other dental procedure you might be considering, we encourage you to contact our dental office at (302) 475-9220 for more information.
Any of the teeth-whitening systems can cause sensitivity. Basically, all of the systems employ an acid based bleaching solution to whiten your teeth. Fluoride treatments are part of our bleaching process, as this has been shown to not only strengthen the teeth, but to also decrease sensitivity. Here, at Matthews Dental Associates, we employ a tray system which is worn approximately an hour a day with a bleaching solution that is tailored to your level of sensitivity. This tray system is not a one-day bleaching system, but over all achieves the same result with a lower level of sensitivity.
For more information on our teeth whitening system, call Dr. Bruce Matthews, DDS at (320) 475-9220.
It's natural for our teeth to lose their luster and shine over time. There are many factors that contribute to the discoloration or dulling of your smile such as:
- Certain medications
- Aging
- Genetics
- Foods such as berries, tomatoes or marinara sauce, soy sauce, and curries
- Beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and cola
- Smoking or tobacco use
You can try to avoid certain foods, or rinse with water after consumption to try to reduce the affects of discoloration. Teeth whitening in Wilmington may also be a good option for combating stains and discoloration.
Professional Teeth Whitening In Wilmington, DE
We offer professional whitening that is designed to eliminate stubborn discoloration and quickly deliver results. The whitening system we utilize is fast and effective and it uses a higher strength whitening gel than you can get with over-the-counter products. Our whitening gel also has specific ingredients designed to reduce and even eliminate the sensitivity that some patients experience with teeth whitening.
Call Our Dental Office To Learn More
If you've tried whitening your teeth with little to no success, our doctors are happy to discuss other options for improving your smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of very effective options for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Give our office a call today to learn more about the possibilities for your teeth.