Why Teeth Get Dark Over Time
The most common include genetics, aging, consumption of staining substances (smoking, coffee, tea, colas), tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and old fillings. As you can see there are many causes to darkening teeth. Whitening toothpaste can remove stain that is on the outside of the teeth. Dentists call this extrinsic staining. However, whitening toothpaste and professional dental cleanings will not change the color or intrinsic staining of the teeth.  That is why tooth whitening (sometimes called tooth bleaching) is so popular.

Here's How Teeth Whitening Works
We take impressions and create a "tray", a whitening gel is placed in the tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, carbamide peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed; only the tooth is made lighter and whiter. One draw back is that Fillings, Crowns, and Bonding will not lighten.

Is this Safe?
Dentists have known for years that tray whitening or bleaching is a fast, safe and predictable way to whiten teeth 2-5 shades in a matter of days. See what the American Dental Association says about the safety of tooth whitening.

Does it last?
For most people, the treatment is long-lasting. Exposure to coffee, smoking, red wines, and some medicine products will gradually darken teeth again over time. After an initial treatment, most people do touch-ups one day about every 3-6 months.

How long will it take and How white will they get?
When wearing the trays Carbamide Peroxide is slowly broken down to Hydrogen Peroxide which whitens the teeth. The 16% gel whitens more slowly but causes less tooth sensitivity. The 22% gel whitens quickly but can cause temporary sensitivity to temperatures. Both the 16% and 22% gels need to be worn for about 10-14 days to achieve maximum whiteness. If you begin to feel sensitivity, common toothpaste made to reduce sensitivity works great. Virtually everyone who whitens their teeth will see improvement. 

The ultimate whiteness will be determined by the length of time the teeth are exposed to the whitening gel and the mineral composition of the teeth. Teeth whitening is kind of like a reverse suntan. Some people get great results in only one or two days while others need more treatment time. Ask your dental professional about bleaching and if its for you!

Bleaching Special: Receive one free bleach kit including trays and solution for each family you refer to our office. Limit 1 free kit per person/family referral per year.

Copyright 2007