Pamper yourself with professional teeth whitening: you relax in a comfortable chair, then walk out with a noticeably brighter smile. Do you ever treat yourself to a massage or a nice dinner and leave feeling refreshed? Whitening can feel the same way. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, we make it a calm, comfortable treat.
Our office has a warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere, and we enjoy helping people feel good about their smiles. Whitening is one of the simplest cosmetic treatments there is: no needles, no drilling and no downtime. Here is what to know about professional whitening, how it compares with store-bought products, and how to keep your results bright.
Why teeth lose their sparkle
Teeth darken for two main reasons.
- Surface stains come from coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, sauces and tobacco. Pigments cling to the outer layer of enamel.
- Deeper changes happen with age, as enamel slowly thins and the yellower layer beneath, called dentin, shows through more. Some medications, past injuries and too much fluoride during childhood can also cause internal discoloration.
Professional whitening works on both. The whitening gel passes through the enamel and breaks apart stain molecules, lightening the tooth from within. Our article All Tooth Stains Are Not Created Equal explains the different kinds of stains in more detail.
Professional whitening vs. store-bought products
Whitening toothpastes, strips and gels are easy to find. They can help with mild surface stains, but they have limits.
Over-the-counter products
- Use milder gels, so results take longer and are usually more modest
- One-size strips and trays can miss parts of teeth or let gel touch the gums
- Do not account for cavities, worn enamel or gum recession, which can make whitening uncomfortable
Professional whitening
- Starts with a check of your teeth and gums, so any problems are treated first
- Uses stronger gels applied carefully, with your gums protected
- Gives faster, more even and more noticeable results, often in a single visit
- Lets your dentist manage sensitivity and set realistic expectations
Southern York Smile Care offers professional teeth whitening and in-office laser whitening.
What to expect at your whitening visit
Professional whitening is designed to be easy and relaxing.
- A quick check. Dr. Steven Haywood looks at your teeth and gums and talks with you about the shade you would like.
- Your starting shade. We record your current color so you can see the difference afterward.
- Protecting your gums. A barrier is placed over the gums so only the teeth are treated.
- Whitening. The gel is applied and activated. You simply sit back and relax.
- The reveal. We compare your new shade with where you started.
Is whitening safe?
When done under a dentist's care, whitening is considered safe for healthy teeth and gums. Some people feel temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which usually fades within a day or two. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy, and it may not suit people with untreated cavities or gum disease.
Whitening and dental work
Whitening lightens natural enamel only. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their original color. If you have dental work on front teeth, we will talk through how to get an even result. Many people whiten first, then match any new work to their brighter shade.
Keeping your smile bright
Results can last a long time with a little care:
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine, and use a straw for iced drinks.
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
- Keep regular cleanings. Every cleaning at Southern York Smile Care is a full 60 minutes, with gentle polishing to remove new surface stains.
- Avoid tobacco, which stains quickly.
- Plan an occasional touch-up if your shade starts to fade.
When whitening is not enough
Some smiles need more than a brighter shade. If your teeth are chipped, worn, uneven, crooked or spaced apart, other cosmetic treatments can help. Southern York Smile Care has improved many York County smiles with a range of options:
- Porcelain veneers to change color and shape at once
- Cosmetic bonding for small chips and gaps
- Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces; Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment
- A cosmetic gum lift, sometimes called crown lengthening, for a gummy smile
- Tooth-colored, BPA-free white fillings to replace dark ones
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
Dr. Haywood trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum and has been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. See real results in our smile gallery.
Common questions about whitening
How long do results last?
It varies from person to person. Results fade gradually, faster for people who drink a lot of coffee, tea or red wine or who use tobacco. Good daily care, regular cleanings and an occasional touch-up keep your smile bright for longer.
How white can my teeth get?
Every smile responds a little differently. Yellowish stains usually lighten well, while grayish discoloration, such as from certain medications, can be more stubborn. The aim is a bright shade that still looks natural with your skin tone and the whites of your eyes. Dr. Haywood will tell you honestly what to expect before you start.
Can I whiten before a wedding or event?
Yes, and it is a popular choice. Plan your visit at least a week or two ahead, so any sensitivity has passed and you have time for a touch-up if you want one. If you are also thinking about other cosmetic work, start earlier, since whitening usually comes first.
Will whitening damage my enamel?
Professional whitening, used as directed, does not harm healthy enamel. Overusing store-bought products, or using abrasive whitening pastes very often, is more likely to cause problems. A dentist-guided approach keeps your teeth safe.
Is whitening right for everyone?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. Whitening is usually put off during pregnancy and while nursing, and for young teens whose teeth are still maturing. If you have cavities, gum disease, exposed roots or very sensitive teeth, those are treated or managed first so whitening is comfortable and safe.
Treat yourself in Shrewsbury
You deserve to be pampered. Southern York Smile Care serves the York County area and northern Baltimore County from our office at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. If you feel nervous about dental visits, oral sedation is available; see sedation dentistry. The office is out of network with every insurer, and CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available.
To schedule teeth whitening or a cosmetic consultation, call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
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