Teeth Whitening

Whitening does not damage the tooth structure.

Dental offices can individualize whitening treatment to choose the most appropriate one for the patients’ goal. That may be in-office whitening or choosing the right gel for home whitening.

Whitening has been found to be safe on millions of people.

Whitening should not be painful though some patients will experience temperature sensitivity. This can be minimized by choosing the correct whitening method and using desensitizing agents.

The results look natural as long as the whitening is not overdone. Since whitening happens over time, the patient can decide when to stop.

Whitening usually lasts many years. Patients who drink lots of tea, coffee or red wine will need to whiten every few years.

In-office whitening takes about 1 1/2 hours per session. Home whitening with tray can be from 30 minutes to overnight.

Teeth whitening can be a game-changer for your self-confidence and your satisfaction with your appearance. The process is generally safe when teeth and gums are in good condition. That said, teeth whitening should begin only after a thorough dental exam and cleaning. In most situations, the process can be repeated as often as every six months without posing risks to tooth enamel and the soft gingiva around the teeth.

Aside from consulting with a trusted dentist and having a routine dental exam, there is very little that needs to be done before teeth whitening. If you are concerned about sensitivity, you can start using toothpaste for sensitive teeth about a week before your treatment. If you've never had teeth whitening, you cannot know how significant sensitivity may be after your treatment, so using this special toothpaste could be a good preventive step.

The two steps that are most integral to lasting whitening are brushing and flossing. Brushing should be done morning and night, for two full minutes each time. Once a day, preferably before bed, you should floss. These practices remove the debris and plaque that can cause discoloration to occur more quickly. It isn't necessary to cut certain foods and beverages out of your life after having your teeth whitened. However, it can be a good habit to always rinse the mouth with water after consuming stain-causing substances like coffee, tea, or red wine. Seeing your dentist every six months for an exam and professional cleaning is also advantageous. Our routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar and also polish the teeth, leaving them brighter and shinier.

There is no downtime, per se, after teeth whitening. To ensure that you get the most satisfying results, you may want to avoid stain-causing foods and beverages for one to three days after your treatment. If you do immediately resume your normal eating habits, make it a point to rinse your mouth with water after drinks and meals.

You can eat soon after your teeth whitening treatment. Ideally, stick to foods and drinks that have little to no color. This is referred to as a "white diet." Acidic foods should also be avoided for 24 to 72 hours.

Teeth whitening that is performed in the office may take about an hour. In this short appointment, the dentist may repeat the whitening process a few times. After the process is done, you teeth should be several shades whiter.

Uneven teeth whitening can occur for several reasons, such as:

• Enamel Thickness: Teeth with thinner enamel may appear darker. This is because the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish color, is more noticeable. This difference can lead to uneven results.
• Plaque or Tartar Buildup: If teeth are not cleaned well before whitening, plaque or tartar can block the whitening agents. This prevents even penetration.
• Application Technique: Inconsistent application of whitening gel or uneven fitting of whitening trays can result in patchy whitening.
• Tooth Sensitivity and Hydration: Dehydrated teeth might appear whiter in some areas after treatment. This can lead to uneven coloring that balances out later.
• Natural Tooth Variations: Teeth naturally vary in color and structure. Some may respond better to whitening than others.

Teeth whitening can be very effective for many types of stains. However, it may not completely remove all discoloration. This is particularly true for deep or intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains generally respond well to whitening techniques. Intrinsic stains are more challenging to treat with traditional whitening methods. They may need alternative treatments.

Tooth sensitivity is a common teeth whitening side effect. It is usually temporary, though. Here are some steps you can take if your teeth become sensitive after whitening:

• Pause Whitening Treatments: Take a break from whitening to give your teeth time to recover. Continuing treatments can worsen sensitivity.
• Rinse with Fluoride: Use a fluoride mouthwash or gel to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend a prescription-strength fluoride rinse for better results.
• Avoid Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks: Stick to lukewarm beverages and avoid very hot, cold, or acidic foods. They can exacerbate sensitivity.
• Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: Switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. This will soothe nerve endings and protect enamel.
• Choose Lower Concentration Products: If you’re using at-home whitening kits, opt for a product with a lower concentration of bleaching agents.
• Limit Whitening Sessions: Shorten the duration of whitening treatments. You can also space them out over longer intervals to reduce irritation.
• Custom Whitening Trays: Use professional, custom-fitted trays instead of generic ones. This ensures even application. It also prevents whitening gel from irritating gums and other sensitive areas.

Teeth whitening treatments are designed to target stains on natural tooth enamel. They do not affect the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings.

Crowns, veneers, and fillings are made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or metal. These are not porous like natural enamel. Whitening agents cannot penetrate these materials to change their color.