Teeth Whitening

Love your coffee or red wine a bit too much? Those delightful indulgences can sometimes leave our teeth with stains or darkening. There are two types of discoloration to watch out for: external (extrinsic) stains caused by certain foods and drinks, and internal (intrinsic) discoloration, which happens within your tooth. Whether it's dental trauma or certain medications like tetracycline, they can affect the dentin, the inner layer of your tooth beneath the enamel. In the past, dealing with intrinsic discoloration, especially from medications, meant opting for porcelain veneers or crowns. Luckily, thanks to advancements in technology, both external and internal discolorations can now be effectively treated with professional whitening methods.

Evaluation

Whitening is easy and non-invasive, and it takes just a single 1-hour session. When it comes to timing, we've got a few considerations:

  • If there are any cavities or active gum issues, we'll address those first before diving into the whitening session.

  • For those thinking about veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic work, we usually recommend starting with whitening. While veneers and crowns won't change color over time, getting that dazzling bright smile beforehand sets the perfect canvas.

Don't worry, we'll go over all of this in detail during your examination. It's all about making sure you get the best, brightest results!

What To Expect

Appointment Length: 1 hour (Regular Professional Whitening for Extrinsic Discoloration)

We suggest using Sensodyne toothpaste a week before your whitening appointment. This helps ease sensitivity during and after the treatment.

During your appointment, we'll take care of everything – cleaning, preparing, and ensuring your teeth, gums, and cheeks are well-protected. While we work our magic with the whitening solution, feel free to enjoy some music or catch up on your favorite podcast.

As we wrap up, we'll share some handy post-whitening tips to keep that bright smile shining for as long as possible — yes stay away from coffee for the next couple of days! We can also provide a custom tray for at-home whitening gel to maintain that gorgeous smile at your own pace if that is necessary or if you’re interested.

For Intrinsic Discoloration, such as Tetracycline-induced dark stains, please contact us for more detailed information. We will be happy to assist you with your consultation