The latest Southern York Smile Care teeth whitening news: light-assisted whitening can brighten your smile in one comfortable visit. In Shrewsbury, PA, our team keeps up with safe, effective whitening systems so you can choose with confidence. Here is what has changed, what to avoid, and how straightening and whitening can work together.
Teeth whitening has come a long way
Whitening has advanced a great deal. Gels are more refined, application is more precise, and dentists have better ways to protect gums and manage sensitivity. The result is a brighter smile with more comfort and more predictable results.
Just as important, today's professional systems let us tailor treatment to each person. We can choose the gel strength, the number of rounds and whether to whiten in the office, at home or both. That flexibility makes whitening a realistic option for many people who had trouble with older products.
Our team stays current on safe and effective whitening products and systems. If you want up-to-date advice on what will work for your teeth, a consultation is the best place to start.
What is light-assisted whitening?
At Southern York Smile Care, we are excited about light-assisted whitening. With laser teeth whitening, a professional whitening gel is applied to your teeth in our office, and light is used to help activate it.
How a visit works
- Exam first. We check for cavities, cracks, worn fillings and exposed roots that could cause discomfort.
- Protection. Your gums and lips are covered so only your teeth are treated.
- Whitening. The gel is applied and activated, often in a series of short rounds.
- Review. We compare your new shade with your starting shade.
Why patients like it
Many patients see a clear change in a single visit, which is helpful before a wedding, a job interview or a family photo. Because everything happens in a controlled setting, we can adjust as we go if your teeth feel sensitive.
If you would rather whiten at your own pace, take-home trays made for your teeth are a good alternative or follow-up to an office visit.
Worried about sensitivity?
Sensitivity is the most common concern we hear about whitening. Some people feel short-term twinges during or after treatment. For most, it fades within a day or two.
Why at-home kits can cause trouble
If you are prone to sensitivity, be cautious with store-bought whitening kits. One-size trays and strips may not fit well, so gel can sit on your gums. And without an exam first, you may whiten over a small cavity or a crack, which can be painful. Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, recommends whitening in a carefully controlled, professional setting, such as our Shrewsbury office. Your teeth are too important to take chances with.
How we keep you comfortable
- Treating any cavities or gum problems before whitening
- Adjusting gel strength and treatment time to your teeth
- Suggesting a toothpaste for sensitive teeth in the weeks before and after
- Offering custom take-home trays for a slower, gentler approach if you prefer
You can compare all of our options on the teeth whitening page.
What whitening can and cannot do
Whitening works best on yellowish stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and age. It can be less effective on gray stains from some medications or on a single tooth that darkened after an injury.
Whitening also does not change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings. If you have dental work in the front of your mouth, we will plan around it. Sometimes that means whitening first and then updating older work so everything matches.
To help your results last, keep up with regular dental cleanings, which are a full 60 minutes at our office, rinse with water after dark drinks, and use touch-up trays as needed.
How long do results last?
Whitening results usually last a long time, but no whitening is permanent. New stains build up gradually, faster if you drink a lot of coffee, tea or red wine or use tobacco. Most patients keep their results bright with good daily care, regular cleanings and an occasional touch-up with custom trays.
Common whitening myths
- "Whitening damages enamel." Professional whitening, used as directed, is considered safe for enamel. Overusing strong products without guidance is where problems start.
- "Whitening toothpaste is just as good." Whitening toothpastes mainly polish away surface stains. They do not change the deeper color of your teeth the way a whitening gel can.
- "Charcoal and lemon juice are natural whiteners." Abrasive powders and acidic fruit can wear and soften enamel. They are best avoided.
Need straightening as well as whitening?
For many people, color is only part of the story. If your teeth are crooked, crowded or gapped, straightening can make an even bigger difference to your smile.
It is not too late
If you did not get your teeth straightened as a child, you are not alone, and it is not too late. Today's options are far more discreet than traditional metal braces. We do not offer metal braces. Instead, we offer:
- Invisalign clear aligners, a series of clear, removable trays that gently move your teeth
- Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Express for younger patients and for minor corrections
- Instant orthodontics, which uses veneers or crowns to change how teeth look without moving them
Dr. Haywood is an Elite Invisalign Provider. Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment, which makes it easier to fit into your budget.
Whitening during and after Invisalign
Many patients like to whiten at the end of Invisalign treatment, once their teeth are in their new positions. Your aligners are removable, so you can keep up with brushing and cleaning throughout treatment, which helps your teeth stay healthy and ready for whitening.
See what is possible
Seeing results helps. Our smile gallery shows before and after photos of real patients. At a consultation, we can also use cosmetic imaging to preview how a whiter, straighter smile might look on you.
Dr. Haywood has more than 35 years in practice, trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum, and has been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. The goal is always a natural look that suits your face.
Whitening and straightening are usually considered cosmetic. We are out of network with every insurer; you pay at the visit and our office files any claim for reimbursement. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available. See our financing page.
Schedule a whitening consultation
Ready for a brighter smile? Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. We serve Shrewsbury, York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD, and we will help you explore your whitening and straightening options.
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.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
Pamper Yourself with Professional Teeth Whitening
Want to Perk Up your Smile?
Beautiful Smiles in Shrewsbury PA!