Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that lightens teeth and helps remove stains and discoloration. The bleaching process can restore the teeth to their original color or a lighter shade if the patient chooses. The dentist may recommend at-home treatments in addition to in-office treatment to help patients get the best results possible. Patients can keep their teeth white by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, tea, soda, berries, and other dark-colored foods and drinks. Patients who drink a lot of coffee or red wine may want to invest in a take-home kit they can use at home to keep their smile bright after a professional treatment.

When you eat or drink dark-colored foods and beverages, stains develop on the enamel of your teeth. These stains are the result of tannins in the foods and drinks reacting with saliva and the white surface of your tooth enamel. Teeth whitening works by removing the stain and the discoloration caused by it. Many dental practices also offer at-home teeth-whitening kits that help speed up the process.

Teeth whitening is a simple process because it only involves removing natural tooth stains from the surface of the tooth enamel. It does not involve changing the structure of your enamel in any way. Because of this, teeth whitening is also one of the least invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Although teeth whitening is a safe procedure, you should still visit your dentist for teeth whitening. Only a professional dentist can tell you if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening by evaluating your oral health and the color of your teeth. Your dentist can also help you choose a teeth whitening product that is safe for you to use at home. For the best results, follow your dentist’s instructions exactly. Also, remember that teeth whitening is not permanent. You will need to undergo regular touch-up treatments to maintain your new pearly whites.

Yes! Professional teeth whitening is perfectly safe when performed by a dentist or another qualified professional. The product used for whitening contains ingredients that break down stains but will not damage your teeth or gums. Your dentist can also provide whitening trays and whitening gel for home use if you’d rather whiten your own teeth with guidance from a professional. The take-home option for whitening generally takes longer than an in-office procedure.

The procedure for at-home whitening usually includes wearing a set of customized trays that resemble mouth guards for about two weeks. Some patients experience sensitivity after whitening their teeth at home; however, this is usually mild and easily treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If your gums are sensitive, talk to your dentist about whether whitening treatment will be okay for you.

If you’re looking to brighten your smile, there are many options for professional strength whitening available. You can choose between an in-office procedure or take-home custom trays. The take-home method allows you to maintain your results in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule.

An experienced dentist can help you evaluate which option is best for you based on the reason for your discoloration and the shade you wish to achieve. Schedule an appointment today to learn more!

GLO chairside whitening takes about 1 hour to complete in-office!

While no teeth whitening treatment can remove internal stains caused by tooth decay or other conditions, it will treat all stains on the surface of your teeth.

Teeth whitening treatment is a great option for most adults. We do not recommend tooth whitening treatments for pregnant or lactating women, or patients under 16 years old.