612 West De Leon Street Tampa, FL 33606

Teeth Whitening Tampa, FL

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving your smile by making changes to your teeth, gums, or overall appearance. A common cosmetic procedure is teeth whitening, which removes stains from the surface of your teeth. You can get this done in the office or at home with special kits.

Teeth Whitening in Tampa, FL

At our Tampa office, we offer Opalescence Boost and GO take-home trays. You can also choose custom whitening trays. After your treatment, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided to keep your teeth bright.

Here are some benefits of the Opalescence Boost Whitening System:

  • No heat needed for activation
  • Uses 40% hydrogen peroxide for fast results
  • Contains fluoride and potassium nitrate to protect teeth
  • Offers precise and even whitening
  • Has a balanced pH
  • Involves two to three 20-minute sessions

teeth whitening in tampa fl

How Opalescence Boost Whitening Works

Opalescence Boost is a quick, in-office teeth whitening treatment that gives fast, noticeable results. Unlike other methods, it uses a strong gel that doesn’t need a light or laser to work. The whole process takes about an hour, making it a simple way to brighten your smile in just one visit. The whitening gel has 40% hydrogen peroxide, which is great at removing stains.

Before putting the gel on, your dentist will protect your gums to keep you comfortable. Your dentist mixes the Opalescence Boost right before applying it. This keeps the formula fresh and strong. Then, Dr. Rebecca Benedict will apply the gel to your teeth in two 20-minute sessions.

The treatment uses two syringes—one with 40% hydrogen peroxide for whitening, and another with fluoride and potassium nitrate to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. The bright red color of the gel helps Dr. Benedict make sure she applies it evenly and completely removes it. The strong formula works to get rid of stains and make your teeth much whiter. Opalescence Boost is safe for your teeth and gums.

The gel has ingredients like potassium nitrate and fluoride that help strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity. This makes it a good option for anyone wanting fast, professional results without much discomfort.

The Boost Whitening Process

Before starting, we clean your teeth to remove plaque and surface stains. We also suggest whitening before getting dental crowns or veneers since those materials can’t be whitened.

The whole treatment takes about an hour, including prep time. First, your dentist will protect your gums and dry your teeth. They’ll apply the gel in short sessions, usually lasting about 15 minutes each. After each session, they’ll check the color of your teeth and decide if more applications are needed. 

To get the best results, we sometimes combine Boost with a take-home kit. We also offer products like toothpaste and toothbrushes to help you maintain your bright smile.

How to Keep Your Teeth White

Here are some tips from Historic Hyde Park Dentistry to keep your teeth white after treatment:

  • Avoid Acidic Foods: Stay away from foods like pickles, lemons, and soda right after whitening. These can weaken your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive, allowing stains to settle more easily.
  • Avoid Hot and Cold Foods: Your teeth may feel more sensitive after whitening. Hot or cold foods can cause discomfort, so stick to room-temperature meals like fruits and veggies.
  • Avoid Smoking and Staining Foods: Smoking and chewing tobacco can quickly stain your teeth again. Also, avoid dark foods and drinks like wine, coffee, and chocolate right after whitening. Use sensitive toothpaste to help with any discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my teeth are ready for whitening?

Start by checking the color of your teeth. If they look yellow or stained, you might be a good fit for whitening. Keep in mind that stains from food and drinks can usually be treated, while deeper stains inside the tooth might need other treatments.

Also, think about any dental problems you might have, like cavities, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity. These can affect whether whitening is safe for you. It’s important to see your dentist. Dr. Benedict can check your teeth and gums and suggest the best option for your needs.

Lastly, be realistic about your goals. Whitening can make a big difference, but results depend on your natural tooth color and the treatment used. Good oral care and regular dentist visits are key to keeping your smile bright after treatment.

How can I get my teeth ready for at-home whitening?

To get your teeth ready for at-home whitening, start by making sure they’re clean. Brush and floss well to get rid of any plaque or food particles that could block the whitening gel. This will help you get better results and also improve your overall oral health.

It’s also smart to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning before starting. Your dentist can find and fix any problems like cavities or gum issues before you whiten your teeth.

Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces, a few days before whitening. This keeps your teeth as bright as possible before the treatment.

Make sure you have all the products you need at home, like sensitive toothpaste, so you’re ready and confident to start.

What can I do if my teeth feel sensitive after whitening?

After whitening, your teeth might feel a little sensitive. This is normal and usually temporary.

First, use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to help calm the nerves and ease discomfort. It’s also a good idea to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for about 24 hours. Lukewarm options are easier on sensitive teeth.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help wash away any leftover whitening gel that could cause sensitivity. If your teeth are really bothering you, over-the-counter pain relievers can help.

If your sensitivity doesn’t get better or gets worse, contact your dentist. They can give you more advice to keep you comfortable and ensure your smile stays healthy.

If you have more questions or want to schedule an appointment, call us at 813-733-6981 or book an online consultation with our dental team. We’re here to help with all your dental needs!