Teeth Whitening
As we age, our teeth naturally yellow or develop stains. This can leave many of us too self-conscious to share our smiles.
Sharp Smile Center serving Kalamazoo and Portage, MI, offers Philips Zoom!® Teeth Whitening to remove stains.
Why should you whiten your teeth? There are many great reasons to get professional bleaching.
Whiten Your Smile for a Worthy Cause
From March to June, Sharp Smile Center runs an annual fundraiser called Smiles for Life. During this time, we reduce the cost of tooth whitening treatment and donate all proceeds to help children in need. We encourage you to participate in this worthwhile cause.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Patients usually see a noticeable difference after one in-office whitening appointment. As a result, this option is recommended if you need a quick touch-up for an upcoming event, such as a wedding or reunion.
Stained teeth can make many people feel too awkward or embarrassed to smile in public. Tooth whitening can help you feel more confident with your appearance and more comfortable making first impressions.
In contrast to other dentistry treatments like dental crowns and porcelain veneers, whitening does not require removing tooth enamel or altering any other dental tissues. Tooth whitening treatment also requires no downtime or recovery.
Because treatment is supervised by a professional, in-office whitening gel uses a higher concentration of bleach than store-bought products. This yields more significant results more quickly. In just one visit to our office serving Kalamazoo and Portage, you can achieve dramatic results.
Teeth Whitening Candidates
Good candidates for teeth whitening have issues with surface stains and discoloration. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from cavities, periodontal disease, gum recession, tooth fractures, or enamel erosion.
Poor Whitening Candidates
Dr. Sharp may not recommend this treatment if you:
- Suffer from tooth sensitivity
- Are under 16
-
Are pregnant or lactating
Teeth Whitening Patient Before and After Photos
The Limits of Teeth Whitening
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Teeth whitening is only effective against superficial stains or discoloration. Dark stains occurring deep within the dental tissue may not respond to whitening. In these cases, your dentist may recommend dental bonding , veneers , or crowns to conceal the stains instead.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You? Contact Us Today to Find Out
Are you self-conscious about your smile? Would you like to enhance your confidence quickly and safely? Teeth whitening may be the right option for you.
At Sharp Smile Center , Dr. Michael Sharp is committed to using advanced dentistry skills and top-of-the-line dental technology to change patients' lives for the better. With 30 years of experience providing world-class dentistry, our team is prepared to help you achieve your ideal smile through different teeth whitening methods.
Send our team a message
or call us to schedule an appointment at our office serving
Kalamazoo
and Portage, MI.
Call Sharp Smile Center
(269) 344-4004
I've known Dr. Sharp since 1971 and he hasn't changed a bit. The same caring, humble & adventurous person for the past 48 years...there is a synergistic, pragmatic working relationship at Sharp Smile Center....and it's working well ! Thank you all ! Mike B., from a Google Review
Professional Whitening Treatment
vs. OTC Whitening Products
Many people wonder how over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and whitening strips stack up against professional tooth whitening treatment. Both in-office and at-home options use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, but the final results and treatment times vary.
Professional Whitening
Professional whitening has a number of advantages:
- Professional Attention : Whether it's in-office treatment or supervised at-home care, professional whitening is overseen by a dentist. They can help prevent issues with sensitive teeth and ensure you get the proper number of sessions based on your level of tooth discoloration.
- Quicker Outcomes : The concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel are much stronger with professional whitening. That means faster and more noticeable results after just one teeth whitening session.
Whitening Products
Over-the-counter whitening products have their drawbacks:
- Slow or Limited Results : While whitening toothpastes, tray systems, and whitening strips can brighten smiles, it can take weeks to see results. It's also possible that over-the-counter whitening results will plateau, falling short of expectations.
- Lack of Supervision : Since these home products are not dentist-supervised, patients may experience issues with sensitive teeth or sore gums due to misapplication or overuse of the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide bleaching agent.
Is There a Risk of Too Much Whitening?
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There is a fine line between yellowed teeth and teeth that are simply not quite as white as you'd like. It can be easy to fall into the trap of overusing bleaching products. While a small amount of whitening is safe, too much dental bleaching can eventually damage a tooth. You should only pursue touch-up treatments at the recommendation of your dentist. Dr. Sharp will take extreme care to make certain that the treatment you undergo will enhance your appearance without compromising your oral health.
The Whitening Process In-Office and At-Home Professional Whitening
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Sharp Smile Center uses Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening to treat surface stains and discoloration.
During your visit, Dr. Sharp will apply the whitening gel to your teeth and expose your teeth to a UV light for 10 to 15 minutes. This UV light enhances the effects of the bleaching agent.
The process is repeated until your desired results are reached. Many patients only require a single one-hour appointment. Others may need to schedule a follow-up to fully whiten their smile.
At-Home
Whitening Kits
If you prefer the at-home option, we can provide you with a customized teeth whitening kit. These kits typically include whitening gel and bleaching trays that are calibrated to your unique smile.
The whitening gel is applied to the inside of custom trays, which can then be worn over the teeth for 30 minutes a day. You can also choose to wear the trays overnight.
Instructions are provided to avoid excessive tooth sensitivity. We can discuss your whitening options in more detail during your visit to our office serving the Kalamazoo and Portage area.
How Long Until I See Results?
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How long it will take your teeth to whiten will depend on whether you choose at-home or in-office treatment. With at-home whitening, patients will usually notice that their smiles are at least 5-10 shades brighter within two weeks. In-office teeth whitening offers more immediate results.
Real Patient Photos Before and After Teeth Whitening
Enhance Your Smile Schedule a Consultation for Whitening
With advanced in-office bleaching and at-home teeth whitening options, we can enhance the appearance of your smile and help you open new doors in your personal and professional life. For more information, send our staff a message or give us a call at (269) 344-4004 .
"Always happy with Sharp Smile Center!" Great Reviews from Kalamazoo and Portage, MI
Joann Farnham
2021
Our family have been going to the Sharp Smile Ceneter for years and always with wonderful service. I had crown's and some extra work done a month or so ago, with Dr. C and Denise and one other young lady assisting her. Again we have always had the best service but this time I have to say it was outstanding patient care!!! Dr. C what an assette, and I cannot say enough about the true patien care from Denise. Also, I have not had a bit of trouble and the fit was perfect. Just sorry I forgot to post at the time of my care. Always happy with Sharp Smile Center!
View on GoogleVirginia Bushnell
2019
Dr. Sharp’s cosmetic dentist work is unreal — he does such a phenomenal job. I’m just looking in the mirror and very pleased because you wouldn’t even be able to tell that I had chipped my front tooth, it looks so good. Thank you, Dr. Sharp! If you live near the Kzoo area, this is the place to go, Dr. Sharp is wonderful... and if you need a cosmetic dentist, it is worth driving from out of town to come here, I don’t know any other cosmetic dentists who are anywhere near as talented as Dr. Sharp is, thank the lord for great talented dentists who care, you know what I mean?! :) I am truly grateful.
View on GoogleHow Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
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The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent. While dental bleaching does brighten your smile, it cannot prevent tooth staining in the future. Even a healthy tooth can yellow or develop stains over time. Thankfully, patients have many options for maintaining their results and ensuring bright smiles in the future.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare Maintaining Your Results
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Routine dental hygiene can go a long way toward keeping your smile bright. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and rinsing your mouth are all essential to maintaining healthy-looking teeth.
Avoid Foods That Can Cause Stains
Equally important is avoiding foods that can cause stains. Highly pigmented foods like tomato or soy sauce can leave stains if eaten frequently, as can acidic foods like orange juice. Eliminating stain-causing habits or minimizing your intake of these foods can go a long way toward keeping your smile bright.
Do Not Use Tobacco Products
Most people know that smoking and using tobacco products can yellow your teeth. After teeth whitening, avoid cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. It's great for your smile and oral health in the long run, and has plenty of other benefits for your general health.
Schedule Touch-Up Whitening Sessions
If you are unhappy with fading whiteness, you can maintain your results by visiting Dr. Sharp at our Kalamazoo dental practice. Regular in-office whitening appointments or the use of an at-home whitening kit can prolong the benefits of treatment.
The Cost of Teeth Whitening Payment Options and Financing
At our office serving the Kalamazoo and Portage, MI, area, teeth whitening can cost between $300 and $600. The cost of your treatment will depend on which option you choose. The final cost of tooth whitening will depend on how many sessions you need.
It is important to understand that because tooth whitening is purely cosmetic, it will not qualify for insurance coverage. However, we are committed to making cosmetic dentistry accessible and affordable.
Sharp Smile Center offers flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and LendingClub®, to help make teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments a fit for your budget.
Teeth Whitening Alternatives
If teeth whitening isn't right for you, there are alternatives. Under Dr. Sharp's care, you can expect that he will only recommend the treatment or combination of treatments he believes will help you achieve your goals most effectively.
I just want to thank Dr Sharp & his staff. Dr. Sharp went above & beyond what one would expect for paid services. I trust no one else going forward. Lisa K., from a Google Review
