Professional Dental Whitening

Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, "brilliant" smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

How exactly does teeth whitening work?

All bleaching methods use peroxide—whether in gel, strip, or liquid form—to dissolve surface stains to whiten your teeth. Teeth surfaces are made up of thousands of tiny dentinal tubules—hollow structures stacked horizontally, like thin straws. They're extremely porous and absorb pigments from food and drink. The bleach bubbles into the tubules through the pores and lightens those pigments. Just remember: anything that can stain a white T-shirt can discolor your teeth.

In-Office Whitening

Our office is proud to offer the powerful Zoom! Chairside Whitening System. This revolutionary system can whiten teeth a full eight shades in only 45 minutes and leaves teeth less sensitive than more traditional whitening methods do. The results are immediate, fast, and long lasting. Zoom! has been clinically proven to be safe and effective and is widely considered as one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures today.

What if I want to whiten my teeth at home?

If you would like to whiten your teeth from the convenience of your own home, we can also provide you with a custom-made home whitening kit. An impression is taken to make a specialized "mouthguard" or "stent" to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about two hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur.

 

Can't I just use over-the-counter teeth whiteners?

Professional whitening agents are up to three times more powerful than less expensive at-home versions, so you'll see results faster than if you go solo. Additionally, since over-the-counter bleaching agents found in drug stores and pharmacies can often harm the gums and teeth, it's better to use the products that our practice recommends.

Considerations:

You should always consult Dr. Chen before trying any tooth whitener, even over-the-counter products, because not all teeth react to whitening the same way. Some types of dental work (like caps, crowns, and veneers) don't take to lightening because peroxide can't penetrate them. Stains caused by antibiotics, like tetracycline, are also tricky because they can occur in the layers inside the tooth where brighteners can't reach.