Bright Smiles

What is tooth whitening?

It's a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What causes tooth discoloration?

The most common causes include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, cola, tobacco), trauma, nerve degeneration, and old restorations.  During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Almost anyone.  We can determine viable candidates for the process through oral examination and diagnosis.  Tooth whitening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.

Is whitening safe?

Yes.  Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe.  We consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available.

How long does it take?

This depends on the course of whitening recommended for you.  It can be done in as little as one hour for immediate whitening or gradually over a two week period.

How long do the results take?

The teeth will always be lighter than they were.  However, some patients may want to "touch up" their teeth by re-whitening once or twice a year.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment.  These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.