Enhance Your Smile: Teeth Whitening at Haid Dental

A bright, confident smile can make all the difference in how you feel and how others see you. Over time, though, coffee, red wine, tea, and even certain foods can leave behind stubborn surface stains that dull your natural brightness.

At Haid Dental in Dublin, OH, Dr. Tara Haid, Dr. R. Michael Emrich, and Dr. Lisa Johnson offer professional teeth whitening treatments designed to lift stains and safely enhance the whiteness of your teeth. Whether you want a quick in-office treatment or a convenient at-home option, our customized whitening procedures deliver safe, noticeable, and long-lasting results.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

To understand how tooth whitening works, it helps to know what causes tooth discoloration in the first place. Stains are generally divided into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic.

• Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of your teeth and are caused by foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. These are typically easier to remove with professional whitening products.
• Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, form deeper within the tooth's structure and may be the result of aging, certain medications, or trauma to the tooth. These stains require stronger bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to achieve effective whitening results.

Even with regular brushing and whitening toothpastes, extrinsic stains can accumulate over time, leaving your smile looking less vibrant. That's where professional whitening makes a difference.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that uses specialized bleaching agents to safely and effectively break down stains and brighten your teeth. Unlike over-the-counter whitening strips or counter products, professional whitening is performed under the supervision of dental professionals, like our experienced team, who can ensure the whitening process is both safe and effective for your smile.

At Haid Dental, we offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments for your convenience. Each method is designed to deliver dramatic results while minimizing tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

What Types of Whitening Procedures Do You Have?

We offer two primary types of whitening at our Dublin dental practice: in-office whitening and take-home custom tray whitening.

In-Office Whitening with Biolase EPIC Laser

For the fastest results, our in-office whitening procedure can whiten your teeth by several shades in a single visit. Using the advanced Biolase EPIC laser, the treatment is completed in about 40 minutes and is virtually sensitivity-free. A hydrogen peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth, then activated with the laser's precise light energy to lift stains quickly and safely.

Our dentists, Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson, are highly trained in this whitening treatment technique, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the process. This approach delivers better results than store-bought whitening strips or toothpastes, removing years of staining from coffee, wine, and tobacco in a single visit. The result is a noticeably whiter smile that looks natural and radiant.

At-Home Whitening with Custom Trays

If you prefer to whiten your teeth on your own schedule, our at-home whitening option is just as effective. During your visit, we'll take an impression of your teeth to create custom trays that fit comfortably and precisely over your smile. These trays are filled with a whitening gel that contains carbamide peroxide, a safe and effective bleaching agent that gradually lightens stains over several days.

We primarily prescribe ZOOM! Whitening gel, which combines peroxide with desensitizing ingredients to minimize tooth sensitivity after treatment. You'll wear your trays for a set period each day, and within a week or two, you'll notice noticeable improvement in the color of your teeth.

Both options provide safe, reliable, and professional teeth whitening results that far exceed what's possible with over-the-counter products.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

During a whitening procedure, the active ingredients—hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—penetrate the enamel surface and target pigmented molecules responsible for discoloration. These bleaching agents break down the chemical bonds of these pigments, effectively lifting surface stains and revealing whiter teeth beneath.

For in-office whitening, the process is enhanced with the EPIC laser or a specialized LED light, accelerating the reaction for faster, better results. At-home treatments rely on a slower, controlled release of peroxide to gently brighten teeth over time.

In both cases, the goal is the same: a natural, brighter smile without compromising your tooth enamel or long-term oral health.

How Professional Whitening Compares to Over-the-Counter Kits

While whitening strips and whitening toothpastes can help maintain brightness between professional treatments, they often contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which limits their effectiveness. They also lack the precision of custom trays, leading to uneven whitening and an increased risk of gum irritation.

At Haid Dental, our professional whitening systems use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide gel under controlled conditions. We also apply protective barriers, such as a rubber shield or a gel, to safeguard your gums and tooth surfaces from potential irritation. With professional supervision, you'll see faster, safer, and more even results that last longer.

Risks and Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

When performed under the supervision of Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson, tooth bleaching is considered a safe and effective procedure. However, as with any cosmetic dentistry treatment, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of.

• Tooth sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity after whitening. Using a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate can help calm your teeth's nerves and reduce discomfort.
• Gum irritation: If the whitening gel comes into contact with soft tissues, mild irritation may occur, but it typically resolves quickly.
• Overuse of whitening products: Frequent or excessive use of over-the-counter whitening products can damage tooth enamel and, over time, lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Our Dublin team takes every precaution to minimize these risks. With professional whitening treatments, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your results are both effective and safe for your oral health.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Sensitive Teeth?

Yes—with the right approach. If you have sensitive teeth, we'll tailor your whitening treatment to keep you comfortable while still achieving a whiter smile. The whitening gel we use contains desensitizing ingredients, and our EPIC laser system virtually eliminates tooth sensitivity and gum irritation during the process.

We may also recommend using whitening trays for shorter intervals or spacing treatments further apart to reduce side effects. Maintaining good oral hygiene and using a soft-bristled or electronic toothbrush can help protect tooth enamel between whitening sessions.

How Long Do Whitening Results Last?

The longevity of your whitening results depends mainly on your habits and oral hygiene routine. With proper care, most patients enjoy their whiter teeth for six months to two years before needing a touch-up. Avoiding acidic foods, coffee, and red wine can help extend your results, as can regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson can also provide whitening trays for occasional touch-ups, so you can refresh your Dublin smile at home whenever needed.

What Are the Safest Whitening Methods Recommended by Dentists?

The American Dental Association (ADA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both recognize hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide as safe and effective whitening ingredients when used correctly. However, professional supervision ensures these agents are applied in controlled concentrations, protecting your tooth surface and gums from irritation.

In-office treatments like laser- or light-activated whitening are among the safest options because trained dental professionals perform them. Similarly, custom trays with lower-concentration gels provide a safe, gradual at-home whitening.

Avoid using DIY whitening mixtures or unregulated online whitening products, as they may contain ingredients that can harm your enamel surface or soft tissues.

Maintaining Your Whiter Smile

After completing your whitening procedure, maintaining your teeth's color is simple with consistent oral hygiene and mindful habits. Brush twice daily with a whitening or fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and rinse with a non-acidic mouthwash.

To keep your results at their best, try to:

• Limit acidic foods and beverages that can wear down tooth enamel.
• Rinse your mouth after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Schedule routine dental visits for cleanings and exams.
• Avoid tobacco products, which can cause new tooth stains.

With consistent care, your professional whitening results can last far longer than those of store-bought treatments.

A Brighter, Healthier Smile Awaits

A beautiful smile isn't just about white teeth—it's about confidence, comfort, and overall oral health. Whether you're preparing for a big event or simply want to refresh your look, professional whitening offers the safest, most reliable way to enhance your smile.

At Haid Dental in Dublin, OH, our experienced team takes pride in delivering whitening treatments that balance cosmetic results with the long-term health of your teeth. With custom trays, advanced laser whitening, and a focus on patient comfort, Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson help you achieve a noticeably brighter, healthier smile—safely and comfortably.

If you're ready to experience the difference professional teeth whitening can make, call us at 614-635-9651 to schedule an appointment!