Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains from the teeth. Three standard methods of teeth whitening are teeth polishing, teeth bleaching, and microabrasion, all of which brighten the appearance of your smile.

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Tooth Polishing

Tooth polishing is the best option for those with slight surface staining and those seeking a natural look rather than a bright white smile, and those looking for a cost-effective way to brighten their smile.

The result is achieved by using a combination of a slow-speed hand piece and a special stain removing polish.

Teeth Bleaching

The bleaching process uses a strong oxidizing agent to lighten the teeth such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

It can be done in the dental office with a more concentrated solution with a special bleaching light or laser, or at home using a customized tray with a less concentrated bleaching gel.

Microabrasion

Microabrasion is the process of rubbing a special concentrated stain removing compound on the teeth to remove very white or brown enamel stains over a series of appointments.

Maintaining Whitened Teeth

Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal with a whitening toothpaste. But at the very least a nightly brushing with a good stain removing toothpaste will help. Allowing food staining particles to remain on your teeth can lead to discoloration.

If your teeth tend to stain rapidly after a professional cleaning, use a straw to drink coffee or tea. These drinks more easily stain teeth and using a straw helps the liquid to bypass your teeth, maintaining whiteness. Refrain from smoking. Smoking is a major cause of discoloration and continuing the habit quickly stains your whitened teeth.

Follow a professional bleaching appointment with a home-based whitening kit. Ask your doctor about special kits offered at the office and have the procedure repeated as often as needed.

Teeth Whitening Resources

Featured Article on Teeth Whitening – View all

Teeth Whitening – Brighter, lighter, whiter...
The subconscious impact of a white smile is radiant health, happiness, warmth and invitation. This phenomenon has been reinforced with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile has even been coined a “Hollywood smile.” Today brighter, lighter, whiter teeth have become a norm. Tooth whitening by bleaching is a successful, conservative, relatively inexpensive and safe alternative... Read Article

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there more than one way to bleach?
Yes. The in-office option is an external light source or laser methods. An at-home matrix or nightguard used with a carbamide peroxide gel will also bleach teeth, but not as quickly. The combination of in office followed by at-home seems to provide the best results.

How long does bleaching last?
Each person is different. It depends on many factors including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and each individual tooth's ability to absorb the bleaching products.