Teeth Whitening

Why are my teeth yellow?

Your teeth become yellow as part of the natural aging process. Over the years, the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, chips, flakes, and breaks away. Ultimately, this allows the interior of your teeth — the dentin — to peek through. Dentin is naturally yellow in color, and as your enamel thins, it becomes more noticeable. 

Other factors can also stain your teeth. For example, if you smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco, your teeth may become a dark brown color. Drinking dark beverages like coffee or soda can also stain your teeth, as can poor oral hygiene. 

Is teeth whitening treatment safe?

Yes. The majority of in-office and at-home whitening products use carbamide peroxide as their main bleaching ingredient. Carbamide peroxide is a harmless byproduct of hydrogen peroxide that presents no serious side effects. In addition, all professional whitening systems currently available undergo testing and clinical reviews by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What types of teeth whitening do you offer?

At Toothscaler Dental, Dr. Vu offers both in-office and at-home teeth whitening.

In-office whitening

In-office teeth whitening typically involves a series of two or three, 30-60 minute appointments. During an in-office treatment, Dr. Vu covers your gums and tongue to protect them from the bleaching solution. Next, he applies a bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth. After the solution dries, Dr. Vu points a special light at your teeth, triggering the bleaching process. Performed by a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Vu, in-office whitening can make your teeth up to 8 shades lighter, though your individual results may vary.

Take-home whitening 

If you don’t feel comfortable undergoing an in-office teeth whitening session, Dr. Vu can prescribe a take-home whitening kit. The mouthpiece inside a take-home whitening kit looks similar to a traditional mouthguard. The only difference is that you fill the tray with a bleaching solution and wear it over your teeth for a few hours each day. In order to achieve the best possible results, it’s important to follow Dr. Vu’s instructions carefully. 

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Teeth whitening treatment isn’t permanent, but it can significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile for between three to four months at a time. To prevent further stains, practice good oral hygiene, steer clear of sodas and coffee, and don’t use tobacco products. 

If you dream of achieving a whiter, brighter smile, call or use the online booking tool to make an appointment at Toothscaler Dental today.