Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment also known as 'bleaching".  It whitens the tooth enamel. Teeth are stained or discoloured by tea, aging, coffee, pigmentation, tobacco, red wine or medications such as tetracycline.  The tooth whitening process involves using a peroxide gel added to a mouth guard like tray to give a direct access to the tooth surface.

Tooth whitening options

There are different ways you can whiten your teeth.  You can do it at home or in the office using the tooth whitening kit.  You can get both solutions at our office.  Your dentist will tell you the specific solution that will give you the best result.  For instance, if your teeth are darkly stained by tetracycline, you will have to visit our office for a deep bleaching treatment for a better outcome.

Teeth whitening in the Office

Patients who have a stained teeth due to medication such as tetracycline will require a deep bleaching in the office.  Prior to the application of the whitening gel, a protective cream is spread over the gums and surrounding soft tissues.  After which a laser is applied to the teeth to make the process faster.

You may need to visit the office more than once for this procedure.

Teeth Whitening at home

Teeth whitening at home is cheaper than the office bleaching.  All you need is a tooth whitening kit that will be provided by your dentist.  It can take about 10-15 treatments to get the desired result.

The teeth whitening kit contains a 10% carbamide peroxide solution and a custom made mouth guard to enable the solution stays in contact with the enamel of the teeth.

When you get the desired result, you may need to touch it up once or twice a year to keep your beautiful smile.