Bright white smiles

Teeth whitening

What is teeth whitening?

A professional tooth whitening session with your dentist offers a powerful solution for lifting stubborn stains that daily brushing, care, and routine maintenance can't address. This method uses advanced bleaching techniques to brighten teeth beyond their natural shade, effectively targeting discoloration caused by food, drink, or smoking. Ideal for those seeking immediate and noticeable results, professional whitening provides a safe and efficient way to enhance the aesthetic of your smile under expert supervision.

Benefits of Tooth Whitening

Having your dentist professionally whiten your teeth can reverse staining and yellowing due to:

  • Certain foods and drinks – Regular consumption of dark-colored foods like red sauces and blackberries and drinks like coffee and tea can cause staining on teeth over time.
  • Tobacco use – Frequent tobacco users often find that their teeth start to yellow. This is due to the tar and nicotine found in tobacco.
  • Natural staining – As you age, the enamel, or outer layer of your teeth, begins to wear down; this exposes the yellowish dentin layer underneath.
  • Medications – Side effects of certain medications as well as cancer treatments include the yellowing or discoloration of teeth.

Types of Tooth Whitening Treatments

There are many types of tooth whitening treatments available for patients interested in restoring the natural brightness of their smile, from the dentist’s office to within their own bedroom. Some of these whitening treatments include:

  • Teeth whitening solutions – Many teeth whitening treatments include a bleaching solution made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These solutions are applied to your teeth by your dentist, and left for a few minutes to take effect. Then, the solution is rinsed off, leaving behind a new whitened appearance on your teeth.Some dentists offer take-home whitening trays for patients to use from the comforts of home.
  • Laser whitening – Sometimes, teeth whitening solutions are not as effective as patients would like; there may be some stains that are not as easily responsive as others to bleaching treatments. One solution for this is using a special light or laser to maximize the effectiveness of a tooth whitening, bleaching solution.

Why Whiten Your Teeth?

An interesting icon representing the lifestyle factors involved in the decision to whiten one's teeth.

Lifestyle factors

Regular consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks, such as red sauces, blackberries, coffee, and tea, alongside frequent tobacco use, contributes significantly to teeth staining. The substances in these items, like the tar and nicotine from tobacco, lead to a noticeable yellowing of teeth over time. Professional teeth whitening by a dentist can reverse these lifestyle-related stains, restoring your teeth's natural color.

An hourglass icon representing the age-related factors involved in the decision to whiten one's teeth.

age-related changes

Age naturally affects the color of your teeth. Over the years, the enamel, or the outer layer of your teeth wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. Additionally, certain medications and cancer treatments can accelerate the discoloration process. Professional whitening can help mitigate these age-related changes, brightening your smile despite natural wear and external factors.

A cover picture of a woman with pearl white teeth.