Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of brightening teeth using medically approved and recommended bleaching materials. Despite good oral hygiene, teeth can accumulate surface stains over time from substances such as wine, coffee, tea, spices, and natural oral bacteria. Many over-the-counter products claim to whiten teeth, but their results can often be questionable. Dentists are the experts in safely performing the whitening process. Over-the-counter bleaching products may come into contact with sensitive oral tissues, such as gums, lips, and tongue, which should not be bleached. To address this concern, manufacturers typically keep the concentration of bleaching materials in these products to a minimum effective level.

In-office Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is faster, more effective, and longer-lasting than over-the-counter treatments. In a single session, you can brighten your teeth by five to ten shades. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods and beverages can help minimize the need for future whitening services. In-office teeth whitening utilizes a high concentration of medically approved bleaching material. These materials are applied after protecting sensitive oral tissues such as the lips, gums, and tongue. This ensures optimal whitening results with minimal damage to the soft, sensitive tissues.

Procedure:

Thorough cleansing and polishing of teeth.
Application of gum protectant.
Application of whitening agent.
Whitening agent can be light-activated or chemically activated.
Whitening agent is left on teeth for several minutes
Teeth and gums are rinsed.

Post-procedure Care

After a couple of teeth whitening sessions, it's normal to experience some minimal sensitivity to cold, which should subside within a couple of days. To maintain the whitening effect, it's important to select your diet carefully for the next few days after the procedure.

Things to avoid:

Tobacco products
Coffee and tea
Red wine
Food coloring
Any bright-colored drinks