Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure when done under the supervision of a dental professional. Patients often see dramatic improvements with whiter teeth after just one visit!

Our teeth are composed of two mineralized layers, enamel and dentin. As enamel breaks down, microfractures develop on the outer layer which trap stains, debris and pigment.

Whitening

Teeth whitening, commonly referred to as bleaching, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that brightens your teeth by lightening their natural color. It's both safe and effective for brightening your smile.

At a dental whitening session, bleaching gel will be applied directly onto your teeth in an office setting and left for some time to activate its bleaching agents.

When bleaching agents come in contact with stains, they release oxygen molecules which penetrate tooth enamel microfractures. Oxygen breaks down stain pigments and gives your teeth a whiter hue.

Home bleaching products are readily available, many with the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Polishing

Polishing is a dental treatment that enhances teeth's whiteness, glossiness and luster. It may also be used to prevent tooth problems and promote optimal oral health.

Dentists have long relied on this technique for routine dental prophylaxis to remove plaque and tartar and polish teeth. However, recent studies have shown that overuse of this method can erode away at the outermost covering of tooth structure as well as decrease fluoride protection.

Stains can be divided into endogenous and exogenous sources; endogenous stains caused by developmental, drug-induced, environmental or enamel hypoplasia and exogenous stains caused by harmful habits like smoking. While both types of stains can be removed with tooth whitening, it's best to use the appropriate product for each type of stain.

Sealing

When bleaching a tooth, it may be sealed with a temporary filling to protect the tooth and keep it intact while you await the next step. At that point, you must return for another appointment to have the temporary filling removed and a permanent one placed.

The sealing process can help protect your tooth during whitening treatments by creating an invisible, long-lasting protective film that's resistant to acid and oral fluids.

Sealing is an integral component of teeth whitening, as it prevents stains from penetrating into your teeth and damaging the results. After having this done, your smile will remain brighter for longer thanks to proper protection against staining.

After the whitening treatment, it is especially important for patients who smoke or drink coffee or tea frequently to seal in the effects and reduce their efficacy.