Teeth Whitening

Overview

Teeth whitening, also called tooth bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the color of teeth. It uses peroxide-based agents that break down stain molecules in and beneath the enamel. Whitening can address discoloration caused by food, drinks, tobacco, and aging. It does not remove tooth structure, and results vary depending on the type and cause of the staining.

Benefits

• Noticeably brighter smile in a short time
• Supervised by a dentist to protect your gums and enamel
• More even and predictable results than store-bought kits
• Non-invasive, with no removal of tooth structure

Making Your Smile Last

For the first 48 hours, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and sauces. Teeth may feel temporarily sensitive, which usually fades quickly. Whitening does not change the color of crowns or fillings, so let your dentist know if you have any.