teeth whitening in Apex

Many people wonder what makes professional grade whitening so much better than over-the-counter options. Though you still may see results when using over-the-counter products, such as Crest Whitestrips, they aren’t as thorough or safe as the whitening a dentist can provide. Typically, whitening strips will only whiten your front teeth.
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At Cardinal Family Dentistry, we create custom trays to make sure all of your teeth are whitened correctly, whereas strips you purchase over the counter may not fit your smile and can produce uneven results. Professional whitening also ensures your safety, since the bleaching agents in over-the-counter products can be very strong and dangerous to use and ingest. Call Cardinal Family Dentistry today to learn more about the beautiful results of our whitening products and schedule an appointment.

Veneers can correct a number of imperfections and give you a confident smile. If you have chipped, stained, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth, veneers might be the right option for you. Custom porcelain veneers are thin shells of resin that are made to perfectly fit over your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Since this procedure is minimally invasive and requires no surgery, veneers are a great option for patients who are afraid of needles or who don't want to undergo extensive treatment to get a beautiful smile.

At Cardinal Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing efficient, quality dental care for patients in Apex. That’s why we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options. Both treatments will give you a brighter smile, but our custom take-home trays will take a bit longer to achieve the best results. If you opt for our in-office whitening service, you will leave your appointment in 1-2 hours with a smile that is up to 10 shades whiter. Give us a call today to discuss which whitening option is right for you!

It is possible for teeth to become over whitened and damaged if you use over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products improperly. The enamel can wear down and become thin, brittle, and chalky. Gum irritation and pain can also occur if you’re whitening your teeth yourself and the whitener contacts your gums. 
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However, professional teeth whitening treatment will never cause any damage to your teeth or gums. Whether you opt for professional in-office treatment from Dr. Sarah Barker, or you choose to have a custom-built take-home whitening kit made at Cardinal Family Dentistry, your teeth and gums will be protected.
This is because professional teeth whitening uses custom-selected whitening products that are designed to prevent your teeth from being over whitened. When you work with Dr. Barker for teeth whitening in Apex, Cary, New Hill, or Holly Springs, your teeth will be protected.
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In addition, you won’t have to worry about any gum irritation or damage. While over-the-counter products may contact your gums and irritate them, this will not happen with professional whitening from Cardinal Family Dentistry. Dr. Barker uses custom-made trays and the latest protective techniques to ensure that you do not experience any gum irritation or pain throughout the treatment process.

Because of the risks involved, we do not recommend DIY teeth whitening with over-the-counter products. That means that you have two primary options for whitening your teeth at Cardinal Family Dentistry; in-office and take-home teeth whitening.
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If you want the fastest possible results from your teeth whitening treatment, in-office whitening is definitely the best option for you. Dr. Barker can typically whiten your teeth by 5-10 shades in just a single appointment. She will apply multiple layers of whitener, activate them with a UV light, and rinse them away, bleaching away years of stains in just a single consultation. This treatment is ideal if you need fast results for a wedding, photo shoot, or some other special occasion.
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Take-home teeth whitening, on the other hand, takes a little bit longer. Dr. Barker will build you a set of custom-made whitening trays, which will fit over your teeth perfectly. Then, she will give you a set of whitening products to use at home for a period of several weeks.
You’ll simply follow her instructions, and whiten your teeth for about an hour a day at home. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will look bright and beautiful. Your results will be identical to in-office whitening.

Because of the risks involved, we do not recommend DIY teeth whitening with over-the-counter products. That means that you have two primary options for whitening your teeth at Cardinal Family Dentistry; in-office and take-home teeth whitening.
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If you want the fastest possible results from your teeth whitening treatment, in-office whitening is definitely the best option for you. Dr. Barker can typically whiten your teeth by 5-10 shades in just a single appointment. She will apply multiple layers of whitener, activate them with a UV light, and rinse them away, bleaching away years of stains in just a single consultation. This treatment is ideal if you need fast results for a wedding, photo shoot, or some other special occasion.
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Take-home teeth whitening, on the other hand, takes a little bit longer. Dr. Barker will build you a set of custom-made whitening trays, which will fit over your teeth perfectly. Then, she will give you a set of whitening products to use at home for a period of several weeks.
You’ll simply follow her instructions, and whiten your teeth for about an hour a day at home. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will look bright and beautiful. Your results will be identical to in-office whitening.

Unfortunately, yes. The bleaching process can trigger temporary sensitivity since it opens up the enamel's pores, rendering it more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and other irritants. But no worries, if you encounter sensitivity post a teeth whitening session, your dentist might recommend sensitive toothpaste or fluoride trays for some extra protection.

Yellow teeth can be caused by a number of factors including smoking, aging, certain medications, and even drinking coffee or tea. Genetics may also play a role in how white or yellow your teeth appear.

In some cases, yellow teeth may also be caused by poor oral hygiene or enamel erosion due to excessive brushing or acidic foods and drinks.

There are several different types of teeth whitening, including over-the-counter whitening kits, in-office whitening treatments, and custom-fitted whitening trays.
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Over-the-counter kits typically include whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste and can be done at home. In-office treatments are done by a dental professional and usually involve a combination of bleaching agents and light therapy. Custom-fitted trays are created by a dentist to fit your teeth precisely and provide a more even application of the whitening solution.

There are several different types of teeth whitening, including over-the-counter whitening kits, in-office whitening treatments, and custom-fitted whitening trays.
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Over-the-counter kits typically include whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste and can be done at home. In-office treatments are done by a dental professional and usually involve a combination of bleaching agents and light therapy. Custom-fitted trays are created by a dentist to fit your teeth precisely and provide a more even application of the whitening solution.

It really depends on the type of treatment you're getting and how badly discolored your teeth are. That being said, professional whitening treatments can start at around $200-$300, but if you need multiple sessions or special care like bonding or veneers, the price can skyrocket.

Yes, teeth whitening is generally considered safe when done correctly and under the guidance of a dental professional. However, some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity or gum irritation after treatment.

As mentioned earlier, temporary sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects of teeth whitening. However, overusing the product or using products that contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can cause more serious side effects, such as chemical burns to the gums or damage to the enamel.