Teeth Whitening Specialist

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening works by bleaching the enamel of your teeth to remove stains caused by red wine, coffee, tea, and other foods and drinks. Teeth whitening can either be performed in the office or with at-home whitening kits. Here are the main differences between bleaching options:

• Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits: Over-the-counter whitening kits are the least expensive option and often cost less than $30. They have the lowest amount of bleach and are not custom-made, so they may slip or slide on teeth. They can also cause sensitivity for those who are susceptible.
• Take-Home Whitening Kits: Take-home whitening kits include silicone mouthpieces — some of which are customized — for a more comfortable fit at a mid-level price point. You place higher-potency bleaching gel into the mouthpiece trays before wearing them. This option produces more dramatic results than over-the-counter options.
• In-Office Teeth Whitening: In-office tooth whitening is best for those with sensitive teeth who want a dramatic change in the appearance of their smile. In most cases, in-office whitening can get your teeth five to seven shades whiter in a single session.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If you practice proper oral hygiene and are in good health, you’re likely a candidate for tooth whitening. In some cases, tooth whitening may not be beneficial for you, especially if you have:

• Highly sensitive teeth
• Crowns or veneers
• Intrinsic stains due to “dead” portions of your teeth
• Bruxism, which can wear down tooth enamel
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

In these instances, tooth whitening might do more harm than good. The bleaching agents used can harm sensitive teeth, gums, or jaws and can weaken the cement bonds that attach crowns and veneers. Crowns and veneers don’t respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth, so it’s best to discuss your options with your dentist before undergoing any whitening procedures.

How Long Does Tooth Whitening Take to See Results?

In most cases, in-office teeth whitening produces immediate results — often five to seven shades whiter after a single treatment. Take-home kits and over-the-counter options work more gradually due to the lower percentage of bleach in the whitening solutions. While teeth whiten over time with these products, it may take one to two weeks to notice a difference.

Set up a consultation for teeth whitening today by calling or booking online at Dr. G’s Weight Loss & Wellness.