Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is faster, more effective, and longer lasting that treatments you find over the counter. As we age, our teeth darken over time. We can brighten your teeth by five to ten shades in a single session, but maintaining good oral hygiene and steering away from certain foods and beverages will help keep any future whitening services to a minimum.
Is there a difference between whitening and bleaching?
There are many products, including toothpastes and rinses, on the market that will claim to whiten teeth. These products use abrasives to remove surface stains on the teeth and should not be considered as a substitute for professional whitening results. Professional whitening, or bleaching, products are peroxide-based (usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) and capable of altering the colours of teeth beyond the surface. Carbamide peroxide is about 1/3 the strength of hydrogen peroxide; therefore, a product advertising 30% carbamide peroxide is approximately equal in strength to a product containing 10% hydrogen peroxide.
What is the best system for whitening (bleaching) my teeth?
This will depend on each patient's preference and desire for results. Products that are sold over-the-counter may have effective whitening ingredients but do not have custom-made trays to prevent the ingredients from coming in contact with the gums and soft tissue. Take home whitening systems fabricated by your dentist include a custom tray and can be used to whiten teeth while you sleep or for 30 minutes to 1 hour each day. In-office whitening systems can be applied under the supervision of a dentist using stronger whitening products for faster results. It is important to keep in mind that not all tooth discolourations respond to bleaching treatments.
In-office Whitening
Tooth whitening (bleaching) is a safe, non-invasive method of changing the natural colour of teeth to enhance the beauty and attractiveness of a smile. Your dentist is able to measure and monitor the shade of your whitened teeth.
What is meant by "in-office" whitening?
This type of whitening system occurs in the office only and takes approximately 40 minutes. It is designed for patients who would like to see immediate whitening results or for special events like weddings etc. It is done under the supervision of your dentist as follows:
Procedure:
- Isolation of the lips and gums, measuring your current shade of white
- Application of whitening gel (40% hydrogen peroxide) that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to help with sensitivity for 2 twenty minute sessions
- Measuring the resulting shade of your whitened teeth, it may take a few days to see the full results
Post-procedure Care
Things to avoid:
- Tobacco products
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
Food coloring
- Any bright-colored drinks
Take-home Whitening
What is a "take home" whitening system?
This type of whitening system is made at the office and taken home by the patient to be worn for specific periods of time. It usually takes 2 appointments:
- At the first appointment, impressions will be made of your teeth to fabricate clear custom trays that fit your teeth and are scalloped around your gums
- At the second appointment, the trays are delivered to the patient. Instructions are given to wear the trays with a whitening solution either twice daily for 30 minutes or overnight. The results tend to become noticeable after 2 weeks of appropriate use and your dentist may consider extending the amount of time depending on the amount of staining and desired level of whitening.
FAQ
Will whitening cause sensitivity to my teeth?
Tooth sensitivity and irritation to soft tissues can occur during bleaching usually within 1-2 weeks of initiating a take-home kit. The sensitivity is usually temporary and varies for each patient. Please ask your dentist for an appropriate regimen prior to and during whitening treatment to reduce sensitivity.
Should I whiten before or after getting white fillings on my front teeth?
Since tooth whitening only works on natural teeth, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old restorations (fillings or crowns). Replacement of any restorations should be done AFTER bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
Clinical studies support the safety and effectiveness of take-home and in-office whitening. The effects of long-term bleaching have not been researched or documented at this time. Tooth whitening is not permanent and more than one treatment may be needed every several years.