What is teeth whitening, and how does it work?
Our teeth are more porous than we give them credit for. As time goes by, compounds that have color to them can become incorporated into the tooth structure. They may be dark, brown, red, orange, or tan. As those compounds accumulate, they can give the teeth a darker appearance.
The process of whitening, brightening, or bleaching your teeth is a chemical process. Whitening products work by breaking down colored compounds in the tooth structure to make the teeth appear lighter. When used appropriately, the goal is to whiten the teeth without removing the enamel.
What causes teeth to become stained?
Many of the things that we eat and drink can contribute to staining on the teeth. Tobacco is a major offender. Other common sources of staining include coffee, tea, and red wine. How much staining you develop depends on your habits and how frequently your teeth are exposed to these substances.
What is the difference between professional whitening and store-bought products?
The answer is sometimes there's a big difference between those two, and sometimes there's not that much difference at all. Here's what I mean. If you go to the store and buy a toothpaste that says whitening toothpaste, many of those products rely partly on abrasives to help remove surface stains.
Whitening systems that contain strips or gels, as well as professional whitening systems that you can get through your dental office, typically rely on whitening agents that chemically break down stains rather than simply polishing away surface discoloration.
Is professional teeth whitening safe for my teeth and gums?
Professional teeth whitening is generally considered safe when it's used appropriately and under dental guidance, but it's not always without side effects. Let me be specific about those. One of the most common is tooth sensitivity.
If you're anything like me, you may experience cold sensitivity. Your teeth might feel sensitive when you drink cold water or go outside on a cold day. For many patients, that sensitivity is temporary and improves after whitening is stopped or completed. You should plan for the possibility of sensitivity, and we'll discuss that with you when you're at the office.
How long does an in-office whitening treatment take?
The answer is probably a little longer than you would have expected. Depending on the whitening system, an in-office treatment may take somewhere in the neighborhood of an hour and a half in the chair. During that time, you may experience some sensitivity or simply the discomfort of being in one place for a long time.
Many of our patients do better with the take-home version of professional whitening, and that's almost exclusively what we use. It's very rare these days that we do in-office whitening. Most of the whitening we provide is a professional product customized for you that you get to take home.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
That depends on the person, and it also depends on your diet and habits. For example, if you're a heavy tea or coffee drinker, if you smoke, or if you're regularly exposed to things that cause your teeth to become stained, you may notice discoloration returning more quickly.
I've seen my own personal whitening results last for about a year before I notice my teeth getting darker again and decide to touch them up. When I do touch up and use the whitening product in my custom trays, it usually doesn't take as many applications to get back to the shade I want. How long your individual results last and how often you should touch up can vary.
Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No, whitening products don't change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings the way they can change the shade of natural tooth structure. This is important if you've had a crown or another restoration matched to your teeth years ago and you're now looking to achieve a lighter shade.
If that crown is in the front or another area that's visible when you smile, you want to be mindful of how much you're whitening your natural teeth. If you love your new shade but the existing restoration no longer matches, you can discuss with your dentist whether replacing that restoration is an option.
Can teeth whitening make your teeth sensitive?
Yes, absolutely. That's one of the biggest side effects that we see from whitening. It was significant enough for me personally that I stopped whitening for a couple of days. Once that sensitivity improved, I continued whitening.
There are also products and techniques that may help manage whitening-related sensitivity. We can give you specific recommendations based on the whitening system you're using and how your teeth respond.
How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
If you do the kind of whitening that's performed in the office, prices can range from around $700 to over $1,000. If you use take-home whitening, which is a professionally designed whitening program with gel and custom trays, that may start around $300.
Different systems can cost more. For example, some specialized whitening products may be more expensive. The actual cost depends on the whitening system and the treatment that's appropriate for you, so we'll review the specific price before you begin.
Want to learn more? Call Clackamas Smiles Family Dental at 503-786-3000 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.