Improving the appearance of your smile can make a difference in your confidence and overall quality of life. At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we provide experienced dental care, skillfully combining the art and science of dentistry to give patients teeth that are as beautiful as they are healthy.
If your teeth appear dull, drab, discolored, or stained, don't despair. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, you too can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. With a teeth whitening procedure from our office, we can quickly and dramatically lighten and brighten your smile.
You can rest assured your smile in the best of hands with us. We use the latest generations of professional strength teeth whitening systems to transform the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile that's several shades lighter, brighter, and more vibrant than before your procedure.
As dedicated providers of care, our goals are to help every patient maintain good oral health and wear their best-looking smile. We tailor treatment to address individual needs and meet every patient's expectations of care.
After examining your smile and determining if a teeth whitening procedure is suitable for you, we'll recommend the best in-office procedure or a take-home whitening system to achieve your cosmetic goals.
How white your teeth look depends on how they reflected and scattered light. Although external staining is typically due to certain foods, beverages, or tobacco use, internal tooth discoloration is usually the result of genetics, certain medications, tooth decay, restorations, and trauma. Aging also plays a significant role in tooth color. Over time, as the outer layer of enamel thins, the yellow inner layer of dentin becomes more apparent.
Teeth whitening or bleaching simply refers to any process that will make the teeth appear whiter. Today, there's an abundance of choices in teeth whitening products and procedures available to you. Options run the gamut from over-the-counter toothpastes, rinses, strips, or gels to professionally supervised in-office treatments and customized take-home kits.
With so many choices in care, how do you know which one to select? Despite the many over-the-counter products on the market today, it's essential to keep in mind that the premiere teeth whitening systems are the professional-strength ones provided by the dentist. Not only do these whitening systems offer a higher concentration of whitening components than the ones available in stores or online, but they also get delivered to the teeth in the safest, most effective, and well-supervised way.
While you may be tempted to purchase a kit in the drugstore or online, be careful. Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can damage the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth. Even though many work when healthy teeth and gums are present, they may be ineffective or problematic when sensitive teeth, exposed roots, cavities, broken fillings, cracked teeth, or loose dental work exist.
Whitening products typically fall into one of two of the following categories:
Under the category of peroxide containing bleaching agents, most whitening systems contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. While both can readily permeate the enamel to achieve pleasing results, the concentration of either one of these ingredients determines the strength, effectiveness, and safety level of the whitening system.
Teeth whitening systems rely on a chemical reaction between the bleaching agent and the discolored molecules. As the latter get oxidized, the stains and discoloration get broken up and erased.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we combine the art and science of dentistry to create beautiful and healthy smiles. We value your investment and provide treatment that supports good oral health while fulfilling your smile goals and expectations of care. We offer a range of advanced cosmetic dental services and will help you choose the option that's right for your smile.
While teeth whitening procedures in most cases produce highly satisfying results, not every type of stain or discoloration responds well to one. First of all, a teeth whitening procedure only works on natural teeth and does not change or improve the color of dental fillings, crowns, or bridges. It should also be mentioned that just as individuals with yellow tones to their teeth typically respond well to a teeth whitening, brown and grayish teeth can respond less well and may require more intensive whitening regimens or alternative cosmetic treatments. Furthermore, a teeth whitening procedure may not be recommended in the presence of sensitive teeth, worn enamel, and significant gum disease.
You can trust us to take a close look at your smile and advise you if a teeth whitening is right for you, or if another cosmetic procedure offers healthier and better results.
Watch what you eat and drink
Maximizing the benefits of a teeth whitening procedure involves being mindful of what you eat and drink. This guideline is especially true for the first 48 hours following an in-office dental treatment. The reason is the ultra-thin, membranous protective layer of the tooth that was temporarily removed as a result of the whitening procedure takes a couple of days to reestablish itself.
You can protect the results by avoiding deeply colored foods and beverages that can stain your teeth!
Refrain from drinking coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks, and teas. Stay away from fruits like berries and grapes, and chocolate products as well as other foods that are darkly colored.
Feel free to eat and drink foods with a low potential to stain your teeth!
Beverages such as water, milk, white wine, and clear soft drinks are okay. Eating fruits such as a banana or peeled apple are fine. Cheeses, as well as white foods like chicken, fish, pasta, oatmeal, potatoes, and bread prepared without red sauces or dressings, are acceptable as well.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking stains and yellows your teeth under the best of circumstances. If you are a smoker and have just had your teeth whitened, it's a good idea to refraining from the habit for at least the first couple of days. Of course, smoking less frequently after that or quitting the habit altogether not only benefits the appearance of your smile but also your oral health and overall well-being.
Some sensitivity is normal.
You may experience some sensitivity to cold and hot for a couple of days. This discomfort typically subsides. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication just as you would for a headache. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may also be helpful.
Treatment Results
While teeth whitening procedures provide satisfying outcomes of care, it's essential to keep in mind that results vary from patient to patient. Both short-term and long-term results are influenced by the original shade of the tooth, diet, and oral habits.
Also, as explained before treatment, teeth whitening procedures do not change the color of existing fillings, crowns, bridgework, or dental bonding. If this issue presents an aesthetic concern, we can discuss replacing a restoration.
Keeping your smile bright
Maintaining the results of treatment also rely upon proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. We'll also discuss a take-home whitening system if any periodic touch-ups are indicated following the procedure or down the road.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we're dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your teeth whitening procedure, feel free to contact our office.
Professional teeth whitening is a clinical procedure that uses higher-concentration peroxide agents and dental supervision to safely lighten tooth color. These treatments are delivered either in the dental office or via dentist-prescribed take-home trays with customized whitening gel. Because a dentist evaluates your oral health and tailors the approach, professional whitening tends to produce more predictable and controlled results.
The office of Bahri Dental Group offers both in-office and take-home professional options to match individual needs and sensitivity levels. Both approaches prioritize safety by addressing existing dental issues before whitening and by providing clear post-treatment instructions. A professional consultation helps determine which method will deliver the best outcome for a given smile.
Good candidates typically have healthy teeth and gums with extrinsic stains caused by foods, beverages, or tobacco use. Teeth with extensive decay, active gum disease, significant enamel erosion, or untreated dental work usually need treatment before whitening can be safely considered. In some cases, intrinsic discoloration from medication or trauma may not respond well to bleaching and will require alternative cosmetic options.
A dental exam will establish whether whitening is appropriate and will identify any restorations, sensitivity issues, or oral health concerns that should be addressed first. Your dentist will review expectations and recommend either an in-office procedure, a supervised take-home system, or a different cosmetic solution. This individualized assessment helps ensure a safe, effective outcome.
Results vary by patient but commonly last from several months up to a few years, depending on diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Consuming staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, and dark sauces, as well as smoking, accelerates re-staining. Natural aging and thinning enamel also influence how long a whitening outcome remains noticeable.
To extend results, many patients follow a maintenance routine that may include periodic touch-ups with custom take-home trays or using whitening toothpaste as recommended by their dentist. Regular professional cleanings and good brushing and flossing habits also help preserve brightness. Your dentist can suggest a personalized maintenance schedule based on your daily habits and the initial degree of whitening achieved.
An in-office whitening visit typically begins with an exam and a dental cleaning or assessment to ensure teeth and gums are healthy enough for bleaching. The dentist or hygienist will protect soft tissues with a barrier and apply a professional-strength whitening gel to the teeth, monitoring the process to manage comfort and results. Treatment sessions often last under an hour, and multiple short applications may be used to reach the desired shade safely.
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity after the procedure, which usually resolves within a few days and can be managed with desensitizing products. The clinician will provide aftercare guidance, including dietary recommendations for the first 48 hours, to protect the newly whitened enamel. Follow-up appointments or take-home touch-up trays may be offered if additional whitening is advisable.
Dentist-prescribed take-home kits use custom-fitted trays and professional-strength gel concentrations designed for safe, gradual whitening at home. Because trays are molded to your teeth, the gel contacts enamel uniformly and reduces gum irritation compared with generic store-bought trays. These systems are effective for many patients and offer the convenience of completing treatment on a schedule that fits daily life.
Safety depends on following the dentist's instructions closely, including wear time and gel amounts. Your dentist will review any existing restorations or sensitivity concerns before prescribing a kit and will provide guidance for minimizing discomfort and maximizing results. Periodic check-ins allow the dental team to monitor progress and adjust the plan if needed.
Tooth discoloration is generally categorized as extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the tooth surface from foods, beverages, and tobacco and typically respond well to bleaching and professional cleanings. Intrinsic stains arise from factors within the tooth, such as certain medications, trauma, fluorosis, or aging, and often respond less predictably to traditional whitening.
Yellowish stains usually lighten more readily with peroxide-based systems, while brown or gray staining and discoloration from some medications may require higher concentrations, longer treatment, or alternative cosmetic options like veneers or bonding. A dental evaluation will determine the type of discoloration and recommend the most effective treatment pathway for a durable, natural-looking result.
Some sensitivity during or after whitening is common because peroxide agents can temporarily increase fluid movement in the dentinal tubules. Patients with preexisting sensitivity, exposed roots, or thin enamel should be evaluated carefully before whitening is recommended. In many cases, clinicians adjust the protocol or recommend desensitizing measures to reduce discomfort while preserving effectiveness.
Strategies to manage sensitivity include using a lower-concentration gel, spacing treatment sessions, applying topical desensitizing agents or fluoride varnish, and recommending toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. Your dentist will discuss these options and may suggest a short trial to assess tolerance before proceeding with a full whitening plan.
Teeth whitening only affects natural tooth structure and does not change the color of restorations such as composite fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges. Because restorations and natural teeth respond differently to whitening, achieving a uniform appearance may require addressing restorations after bleaching. Many dentists recommend completing whitening first and then matching or replacing restorations to the newly lightened shade.
During your evaluation, the dental team will identify existing restorations and discuss how whitening will impact the overall smile. If color discrepancies are a concern, the dentist can develop a coordinated treatment plan that may include restoration replacement, bonding, or other cosmetic options to achieve a harmonious result.
Immediately following whitening, avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages for at least 48 hours to allow the tooth surface to recover its protective layer. Limiting coffee, red wine, dark teas, berries, and heavily colored sauces during this period reduces the risk of rapid restaining. Avoiding tobacco and maintaining regular oral hygiene with gentle brushing and daily flossing are essential steps for preserving brightness.
Long-term maintenance may include occasional touch-ups with custom trays, using whitening toothpaste intermittently, and keeping routine dental cleanings to remove surface deposits. Your dentist can recommend a personalized plan that fits your habits and the initial whitening result to prolong the effect and keep your smile looking its best.
Scheduling a consultation begins with a dedicated exam to evaluate oral health, existing restorations, and the type of discoloration present. During the visit the dentist will review medical and dental history, take any necessary radiographs, and discuss realistic expectations and treatment options tailored to your smile. This assessment ensures that whitening is safe and that any underlying issues are addressed before treatment.
After the clinical evaluation the dentist will recommend an in-office procedure, a supervised take-home system, or an alternative cosmetic approach when appropriate, and will outline a follow-up and maintenance plan. If you prefer an office in Jacksonville, the dental team can help coordinate the next steps and answer questions about preparation and aftercare at your appointment with Bahri Dental Group.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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