Teeth Whitening And Bleaching Specialist

Is professional cleaning better for my teeth than at home treatments?

At home whitening options such as special toothpastes and at-home-bleaching kits are available and may be suitable for some people. They are not as effective as professional whitening, and may even cause damage to your tooth enamel. Some people may not benefit from a whitening treatment at all and if you have veneers, crowns or fillings you will need to consult with your dentist about the best options available.  It is also important to remember that discoloration will continue and that follow up visits may be necessary to keep your smile at its best.

What actually happens during professional whitening?

Teeth whitening is a straightforward process. One of two solutions are available, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to the teeth. The bleach breaks down stains, decreasing their appearance and brightening your smile. First your teeth will be cleaned and any tartar build up removed. Then the gums will be coated with a protective gel and the lightening solution applied to your teeth. Patients will sit under an LED light for approximately 15 minutes. The time could vary depending on the level of discoloration. Once the treatment is complete, the gel will be removed and patients will go home with a brighter, whiter smile.

What Causes Teeth to Turn Dark?

Teeth can discolor for a number of reasons including tobacco use, age, or even the food and liquids consumed. Some medications or other health conditions can also cause teeth to darken. Discoloration can either occur on the surface of the teeth or, with some trauma or disease, the darkening can happen on the inside of the tooth. Bleaching will not improve the appearance of teeth where the discoloration occurs inside the teeth. Before your whitening treatment, your teeth will be examined to help determine the cause of discoloration to ensure whitening is the best option.