The Truth About Teeth Whitening

A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and make you look younger and healthier. But with so many whitening options available, it's important to understand the facts, myths, and best practices for achieving and maintaining your whitest smile.

Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?

Tooth discoloration can occur for several reasons:

• Extrinsic stains affect the outer layer (enamel) of your teeth and are caused by foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sodas, as well as tobacco use.
• Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth structure and can result from aging, certain medications (like tetracycline), excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, or trauma to the tooth.
• Age-related discoloration combines both types as enamel thins over time, revealing more of the naturally yellow dentin underneath.

Professional In-Office Whitening

Professional whitening performed in our office delivers the fastest, most dramatic results. We use high-concentration bleaching gel (typically 25-40% hydrogen peroxide) activated by a special light or laser. The procedure takes about an hour and can lighten teeth by several shades in a single visit.

Pros:

• Immediate, noticeable results
• Performed under professional supervision
• Gums and soft tissues are protected
• Can target stubborn stains more effectively

Cons:

• Higher cost than at-home options
• May cause temporary tooth sensitivity

Professional Take-Home Kits

We also offer custom take-home whitening kits that provide professional-grade results at your convenience. We'll create custom-fitted trays for your teeth and provide professional-strength whitening gel (typically 10-20% carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide). You'll wear the trays for a specified time each day (usually 30 minutes to a few hours) for one to two weeks.

Pros:

• Professional-level results at a lower cost than in-office treatment
• Custom trays ensure even application and comfort
• Convenient – whiten at home on your schedule
• Gradual whitening with less sensitivity

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Drugstore whitening products include strips, gels, toothpastes, and one-size-fits-all trays. While these are the most affordable option, they contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and may take longer to show results.

Whitening strips and gels can lighten teeth by 1-2 shades over several weeks but may not reach all tooth surfaces evenly. Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains but don't actually change tooth color. They're best for maintaining results from professional whitening.

Common Whitening Myths

Myth: Whitening damages tooth enamel.
Truth: When used as directed, professional whitening products are safe and don't damage enamel. They temporarily open pores in the enamel to lift stains, which close again afterward.

Myth: Whitening works on all types of stains.
Truth: Whitening is most effective on yellow stains from food, drinks, and aging. Brown and gray stains from medications or trauma respond less well. Whitening doesn't work on crowns, veneers, or fillings.

Myth: Everyone can achieve the same shade of white.
Truth: Results vary based on your natural tooth color, the type of stains, and how your teeth respond to whitening. We'll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Maintaining Your White Smile

After whitening, follow these tips to keep your smile bright:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily
• Use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week
• Limit staining foods and beverages, or rinse with water after consuming them
• Drink dark beverages through a straw when possible
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• Get regular professional cleanings every six months
• Touch up with professional products as needed (usually once or twice a year)

Is Whitening Right for You?

Most people are good candidates for teeth whitening, but it's not recommended for:

• Children under 16 (teeth are still developing)
• Pregnant or nursing women
• People with very sensitive teeth or worn enamel
• Those with gum disease or cavities (these should be treated first)