Dr. S. Jeremy Tu is a cosmetic dentist in North Liberty, IA, and offers affordable and convenient ways to whiten teeth. Professional teeth whitening is the easiest way to instantly makeover your smile. Compared to weak store-bought whitening products, professional whitening offers fewer side effects and provides more even results.
This popular cosmetic dentistry treatment is considered safe and very effective. Dr. Tu is accepting patients from surrounding areas, including Cedar Rapids, who want an experienced cosmetic dentist. He offers both at-home and in-office teeth whitening as part of our dental services to patients in the Cedar Rapids community.
What are my Teeth Whitening Options?
Whiten your teeth at home
Design Dental offers take-home whitening kits, allowing you to get brighter teeth in just a few weeks from the comforts of your home. This easy treatment involves using custom trays and a bleaching agent that you will self-administer using specific directions given by Dr. Tu. We will take your dental impressions at our Cedar Rapids, IA, dental office.
We will use your dental impressions to make custom trays. This way, they will fit your teeth perfectly and create a tight seal. Many people will notice whiter teeth in just a few days with consistent use.
Professional in-office teeth whitening
Design Dental is also proud to offer professional teeth whitening in our office. In about one hour, we can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades. A teeth whitening treatment administered at our Cedar Rapids, IA, dental office is the perfect solution if you have an event coming up and need instant, beautiful results. When we administer the agent, you will get a brighter, more even smile safely.
We’ll cover your gums and lips to protect them from irritation before applying the professional-grade bleaching gel to your teeth. We leave the gel on for 15 minutes and repeat the process up to three times.
How long will my results last?
This will depend on your personal habits. Teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to a few years. If you properly care for your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that stain, your results will last much longer. While professional whitening is not permanent, Dr. Tu does offer a few cosmetic dentistry treatments that last.
What are Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?
If you don’t respond well to whitening or simply want a permanent option, we can discuss these options:
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin shells that we bond to the front of your teeth. We color-match dental veneers and they can cover one or all the teeth in your smile line.
- Dental Crowns: Crowns are caps that cover damaged and stained teeth. Our office will recommend tooth crowns if you need to cover worn and cracked teeth that are also discolored.
- Tooth Bonding: Bonding uses tooth-colored materials that we shape and cure onto your teeth. Bonding can treat tooth chips, cracks, and stains. We often recommend dental bonding if you have a single stained tooth.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening in Cedar Rapids
We welcome you to read answers to common questions about teeth whitening in Cedar Rapids, IA.
What causes tooth stains?
Your teeth can become stained or discolored for several reasons. Common causes include coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and tobacco products. These substances leave pigments on your enamel that build up over time.
As you get older, your enamel naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish layer underneath called dentin. Some medications can also discolor teeth, especially if taken during childhood. The good news is that professional teeth whitening can remove most of these stains and brighten your smile.
Is professional whitening better than drugstore kits?
Yes. Professional whitening uses stronger, safer gels and is customized to your teeth. You get faster, more dramatic results with less risk of gum irritation.
Can I get professional whitening if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can. Many people with sensitive teeth worry that whitening will cause pain, but professional options are different from drugstore products. Dr. Tu offers whitening systems designed specifically for sensitive teeth.
He can also apply desensitizing gel before treatment or recommend a take-home kit with lower-strength whitening gel. You may still feel some mild sensitivity for a day or two, but it should go away quickly. Talk to our dentist about your concerns before starting treatment.
Does professional whitening have any restrictions?
Yes. We can’t whiten crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures. If you have these restorations, you may need to replace them after whitening so they match your brighter smile.
Also, pregnant or nursing women should wait before whitening. Talk to our dentist first.
You should also have any cavities or gum disease treated before whitening. Healthy teeth and gums respond better to whitening and have fewer side effects.
Will whitening change the color of my crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change color. If you have visible restorations, Dr. Tu will discuss whether to whiten your natural teeth to match them or replace older restorations to match your new shade.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Most patients whiten once or twice a year, with touch-ups in between. Whitening more often can increase sensitivity and wear on your enamel.
Schedule a Whitening Consultation
Design Dental offers easy and convenient professional teeth whitening options. If you want to instantly brighten your smile, schedule a consultation with us to learn more about your options.
Contact our North Liberty, IA area, dental office today to make an appointment or you can also schedule an appointment online. We welcome patients from Cedar Rapids, IA, who are seeking a talented cosmetic dentist to whiten their teeth.