Teeth Whitening

Just like hair, teeth come in various colors or shades. Just like hair, teeth may have more than one shade blended in various layers. And, just like hair, teeth can be chemically lightened...Children's teeth or primary teeth are generally very light in shade compared to adult permanent teeth. Many adults try to regain their youthful appearance of light colored teeth by chemically lightening or whitening or bleaching their teeth. To do this, just like hair, peroxide containing chemicals are used to bleach the tooth enamel surface. Sometimes special lights and lasers are used along with these chemicals in the tooth whitening process.

Whitening has been very effective on age related, diseased, traumatized, chemical, food, genetic or medicine caused stains.

Some whitening products are available over the counter. They include various gels and strips and toothpastes. The advertised Whitening and Brightening toothpastes sold over the counter, have added mild abrasives which only remove outer surface, extrinsic, stain but do not change the color of teeth. Whitening gels and strips sold over the counter are made with the peroxide whitening agents to lighten intrinsic, inside the tooth enamel, stain, however, they're not as effective as the prescription strength peroxide bleaching agents that are in the various whitening systems provided by dental professionals.

On occasion while whitening your teeth, temporary tooth and gum sensitivity may occur from the whitening chemicals. This is usually clears up in time or with the use of desensitizer toothpastes and the avoidance of acidic foods and drinks while you are bleaching.

In our office, we use a custom tray system that is worn at home for approximately 4-6 hours a day. The patient applies the whitening gel inside of a mouth guard like device, called a tray, made from a dental mold or replica of your upper and lower teeth. The tray is filled with the peroxide gel and worn daily by the patient for an average of three weeks for optimal results. During this time, we set up various appointments to monitor your progress and to check for any sensitivity. After the whitening treatments are complete, we recommend a fluoride treatment for your teeth to remineralize the outer enamel surface for protection, strength and reduced sensitivity.

ALWAYS speak to a dental professional first prior to using any type of whitening system of any kind. Denture teeth, crowns, veneers or composite restorations are made out of materials that will NOT whiten. Once you whiten your natural teeth their new shade will NOT MATCH the surrounding artificial teeth or composite bond fillings that may be a part of the same whitened tooth. If this is the case, keep in mind that you will need to have the composite or crown or veneer or denture tooth changed to match the newly whitened tooth shade. This is especially important with front teeth.

Finally, whitening may not correct all tooth discoloration and therefore other cosmetic choices may be needed like veneers, composites or crowns.