Whitening

WHITENING

When discoloration of a tooth or teeth occurs, many turn to tooth whitening.  Tooth whitening is a process which removes any discoloration and staining.  Tooth whitening can change the color and shade of stained teeth dramatically, from yellow and brown stains back to a whitened shade.  Many techniques are used in tooth whitening or bleaching procedures, but all techniques attempt to improve the brightness and shade of an individual’s teeth.  Various techniques include: abrasive tooth brightening, chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, and laser tooth whitening. 

BLEACHING

A chemical process, called tooth or teeth bleaching is performed to lighten a patient’s teeth color.  Many times the procedure takes 1 or multiple visits to your dentist.  Cosmetic dentists will routinely try abrasive cleaning of your teeth.  Many times, it simply isn’t enough and you may need to undergo a bleaching process for your teeth to achieve a brighter shade or overall brighter smile.  To achieve desired results, your cosmetic dentist may recommend laser teeth whitening as well, which is a procedure that works using a laser which activates a specific whitening gel.  There are many reasons why your cosmetic dentist may recommend one or several steps but recommendations are made to slowly and carefully bleach and lighten your teeth until you reach the best possible shade and all of your teeth are a consistent shade.

How long are results of teeth whitening?

Teeth or tooth whitening can last anywhere from 1 to multiple years.  The procedure is not permanent and routine maintenance is necessary to keep a bright smile.  Your cosmetic dentist will many times provide trays and gel for use at home to keep your results optimal. As with most procedures, patients’ results are based on personal care and hygene. Tooth stains from coffee, tea, wine and soft drinks, as well as other personal habits can impact the length of your results.  Many times, tooth whitening is highly effective and results for patients are very positive and long lasting.

Various Types of Tooth or Teeth Whitening Procedures

There are multiple procedures that provide tooth whitening results and are available to correct discoloration and staining.  Advantages and disadvantages can be discussed with your cosmetic dentist since all procedures are effective.  Many of the advantages and disadvantages of tooth whitening are dependent on your overall goals, commitment, sensitivity, length of time the patient is looking for results and costs.  However, the type of tooth whitening that is best to meet your objectives should be discussed with and will be recommended  by your cosmetic dentist.

Laser Bleaching Teeth Whitening (In-Office)

Laser Bleaching is a type of in-office teeth whitening that uses a laser with a whitening gel. First, a translucent bleaching gel is applied to the patient’s discolored or stained teeth and a laser light is used to activate the gel and penetrate the tooth’s enamel to lighten the stained teeth.  The amount of time needed depends on the patient’s overall amount of discoloration.

Tooth Bleaching (In-Office)

Tooth or teeth bleaching first requires a relatively small amount of bleaching abrasive be applied to the discolored tooth or teeth. Tooth bleaching is the most common procedure since it is most effective for slight discoloration and typically costs less than alternative techniques. Sometimes, laser whitening is performed in conjunction with tooth bleaching, depending on the severity of dark stains, internal staining and discoloration. 

Tooth Veneers (In-Office)

Veneers are many times used as an alternative to crowns.  Tooth veneers can be made of porcelain or plastic, carefully shaped and very thin. Tooth veneers are an in-office procedure and are adhered to the front of your teeth with glue. Very little to no anesthesia is typically necessary for procedures. Typically cosmetic dentists recommend tooth veneers for patients seeking help for extremely discolored, chipped, misshapen, unevenly spaced or broken teeth. The advantage to veneers is that typically, your dentist will not need to remove much of your actual tooth. Your dentist creates your custom veneer by making an impression of your teeth. Then, the veneers are adhered you’re your teeth with glue. Other advantages include that tooth veneers typically cost less than veneers, tooth veneers won't stain, making your smile bright and what most consider the perfect look, they are very strong and therefore lasting and durable. Veneers can last many years and they come in varying shades that will not only provide a whiter smile to those with sever stains but also provide options to match to your other teeth.

Whitening Strips (In-Home)

A whitening strip is placed on your upper and lower teeth. You can wear them once a day, for various lengths of time, from a half hour to one hour, depending on the brand. They are the least costly and very simple and easy to access and use. The strips adhere comfortably and stay in place, although it’s not easy to speak when wearing them. Results can be seen within a few days but it typically takes wearing them consistently for one week to a month to being seeing the full whitening results. It’s sometimes recommended to use whitening strips with in-office laser bleaching if you have serious staining and discoloration to achieve better results.

Mall Whitening Kiosks (In-Store)

This is a newer, in-store whitening option but basically provides the same results as at home whitening trays. A custom tray or strips are fitted and placed on your teeth. Results vary and some may be seen immediately but it’s typically recommended that you return weekly to achieve the full whitening of your teeth.