What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of brightening and whitening your smile. Everyone loves a bright, white smile! Today, there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the color of your teeth. While teeth whitening is generally safe for most people, discuss with your dentist before starting teeth whitening, especially if you have:

• Discolored or sensitive teeth
• White spots or decay on your teeth Infected gums
• A bridge, crown, or other dental work (especially involving front teeth).

The lifespan of whitened teeth can range from 4-12 months, depending on the type of treatment used, your consumption of food and drink that can easily stain teeth (such as blueberries, coffee, and tea), and personal oral hygiene.

After a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, your dentist will tell you whether tooth whitening is a safe option for your smile. If your Dentist agrees that you are a candidate for tooth whitening, there are two types of whiteners you can choose from.

Types of Whiteners

Over-the-counter

If using an over-the-counter whitening kit, choose one approved by the American Dental Association and follow the directions on its package. Store-bought kits require 7-30 days of consistent use for full effect. Individual results can vary.

Dentist-supervised

Dentist-supervised treatments provide greater whitening results, faster than store bought kits. Two types of treatment are available:

In-Office Treatment

If the agreed-upon treatment is an in-office, your clinician will prepare your mouth by covering your lips and gums so that only your teeth are exposed. You clinician will then apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth and expose your teeth to ultraviolet light for 15 minutes to help the gel penetrate and whiten your teeth. You will be able to watch TV or listen to music as you relax in the chair. Typically, the gel and light treatment are repeated two more times. An in-office treatment typically whitens teeth 5-10 shades within 45-60 minutes.

Take-Home Kit

A take-home kit contains a higher concentration of whitening agent than a store-bought kit and is as easy to use.

If this is something you’re interested in, call us today at 626.334.7310 to make an appointment!