Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple procedure to remove stains from the surface of the teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today. This is due to the instant aesthetic results, the cost and the non-invasive nature of the treatment. During teeth whitening, gel is applied to the teeth and brightens your smile.
Professional tooth whitening uses two types of bleaching agent: carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has an additional element that increases its stability, making it less likely to cause sensitivity.
Teeth whitening - Frequently asked questions
Q. Is tooth whitening safe?
R. Teeth whitening is extremely safe. Whitening gel contains either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down into oxygen and water. These substances have been used safely in the dental industry for many years.
Q. Can tooth whitening damage teeth?
R. No. The whitening gel breaks down into oxygen and water, naturally brightening your teeth. Some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity. This can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter analgesics.
Q. How long does it take to whiten my teeth?
R. Teeth whitening results can vary from person to person. While in-office whitening produces spectacular results in as little as an hour, at-home whitening produces more subtle results in a few weeks.
Q. Will my teeth stay white after treatment?
R. Tooth discoloration is caused by stains from food, beverages and tobacco. Although your teeth can be whitened by a whitening treatment, you may need to avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth to prevent yellowing.
Q. Can bleaching lighten all teeth?
A. Although most teeth become brighter with whitening, some teeth with large fillings, crowns or teeth with developmental abnormalities that discolor them will not become brighter with whitening. Your dental specialist will tell you if you can benefit from whitening.
Professional tooth whitening
Professional teeth whitening products contain many of the same ingredients as over-the-counter products. Professional products are applied by your dental specialist or hygienist rather than at home. Professional teeth whitening options can range from whitening toothpaste to in-office treatments.
Teeth whitening at home
You can use your customized treatment trays as whitening trays. You apply the whitening gel inside the trays and wear them for 30 minutes or more every day. After two weeks, you'll start to see results. For best results, be sure to follow your dental specialist's instructions. Avoid smoking or drinking coffee, tea or wine, which can stain your teeth.