Teeth Whitening in Houston, TX
Our qualified dentists at Next Care Dental Houston, Dr. Patel and Dr. Vu, are proud to offer professional teeth whitening services in Houston, TX. This treatment can remove even the most stubborn stains and discoloration on your teeth, making them appear up to 8 shades lighter! We provide both in-office and at-home whitening kits to suit your convenience. Consult our dentists today to learn which option is best for you.
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Reasons To Consider Professional Teeth Whitening
With the passage of time, you may notice that your teeth lose their natural spark and become dull or discolored. This can occur due to a number of reasons, some of which include:
- Stains from foods and drinks: Many foods and beverages contain pigments that can discolor your teeth over time and change their appearance.
- Aging: Our tooth enamel wears out and becomes thinner as we age. This leads to the yellowish discoloration of the teeth.
- Smoking: Chronic smokers often develop tough stains on their teeth that do not lighten with routine cleaning and require professional assistance.
- Dental injuries: If you experience a sudden dental injury, one or more of your teeth may discolor due to an internal tooth infection.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or antihypertensives, may alter the shade of your teeth.
In any of these cases, our dental experts can help you achieve a stunning smile with teeth whitening in Houston, TX. We will assess your teeth to create a personalized plan for your cosmetic needs.
Types of Teeth Whitening In Houston, TX
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In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a straightforward and highly effective treatment that can help you gain a radiant smile within a single appointment. During the process, our dentist applies a professional-grade whitening gel on the surfaces of your teeth.
Once activated, this gel dissolves stubborn stains and lightens the shade of your teeth, making them appear much whiter and brighter than before. This procedure is safer than over-the-counter products as we take special precautionary measures to prevent gum or tissue damage.
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At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you yearn to achieve a brighter smile from the comfort and convenience of your home, our at-home teeth whitening kits can be the perfect option for you. We provide customized trays along with a special whitening gel that gradually lightens the shade of your teeth.
You have to wear the trays consistently for a certain duration to achieve the desired results. Compared to store-bought whitening kits, our customized kits are completely safe for your teeth and offer more long-lasting results within a shorter duration.
Question About Teeth Whitening
FAQs about Teeth Whitening
Is professional teeth whitening better than over-the-counter options?
Professional teeth whitening is more effective and safe. It provides much better and long-term results than over-the-counter products.
How long does the treatment process take?
Is teeth whitening safe?
What People Say About Us!
Schedule A Visit Today
If you are interested in achieving a dazzling bright smile with teeth whitening in Houston, TX, visit our practice today. You can call us at (713) 952-0522 to book an appointment.
Why aren't my teeth whitening, even though I use drugstore strips regularly?
This is a common frustration. Over-the-counter strips have a very low concentration of peroxide and often can’t penetrate deep-set stains from years of coffee or smoking. Additionally, if your discoloration is caused by internal tooth trauma or certain medications, surface-level strips won’t work at all. During a consultation at our Westheimer office, Dr. Patel or Dr. Vu can determine if your stains are “extrinsic” (surface) or “intrinsic” (internal) and provide a professional-grade gel that actually reaches the deeper layers of your enamel.
Can I get my teeth whitened if I have existing dental crowns or tooth-colored fillings?
It’s important to know that professional whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. It will not change the shade of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite fillings. If you whiten your teeth, your natural teeth will get brighter, but your dental work will stay the same color, which might make it look mismatched. We often recommend whitening your natural teeth first and then replacing old crowns or fillings to match your new, brighter smile.
How do the "custom trays" in your at-home kits differ from store-bought ones?
The trays you find in a store are “one-size-fits-all,” which often leads to the whitening gel leaking out onto your gums, causing irritation or chemical burns. At Next Care Dental, we take a precise impression of your teeth to create trays that fit your unique smile perfectly. This keeps the professional-strength gel sealed against your teeth and away from your sensitive gum tissue, making the process both safer and more effective.
Will professional whitening make my teeth permanently sensitive?
Not at all. While some patients experience temporary “zings” or sensitivity to cold for 24 to 48 hours after a session, it is not permanent. We take extra precautions, such as applying protective barriers to your gums and using gels with desensitizing agents. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know we can adjust the treatment time or concentration to ensure you get a brighter smile without the discomfort.
How many shades whiter can I realistically expect my teeth to get?
While every smile is unique, our professional in-office treatment can often brighten teeth by up to 8 shades in a single visit. The final result depends on the starting shade of your teeth and the cause of the staining. Teeth with a yellowish hue usually respond best to whitening, while grayish tones (often caused by smoking or antibiotics) may take a few more sessions or a combination of in-office and at-home treatments to reach the goal.
How soon can I eat or drink "staining" foods after an in-office whitening session?
We recommend following the “White Diet” for at least 48 hours after your appointment. Because the whitening process temporarily opens the microscopic pores in your enamel, your teeth are actually more susceptible to staining immediately after the treatment. To protect your investment, try to avoid red wine, soy sauce, coffee, and colorful berries for the first two days while your enamel “re-hydrates” and the pores close.
Is it better to do the 1-hour in-office treatment or the two-week at-home kit?
Both produce excellent results, but it depends on your lifestyle. If you have a wedding or a big job interview in Houston this weekend, the in-office treatment is best for immediate results. However, if you prefer to whiten more gradually or want the ability to do “touch-ups” in the future, the custom at-home kits are a fantastic long-term investment. Many of our patients actually choose a combination of both for the most dramatic and lasting results.