Teeth Whitening

Tooth Whitening: Brighten Your Smile

Whitening or “bleaching” is a popular and effective way to enhance the brightness of your smile by removing stains and discolorations from your teeth. Whether for a special occasion or simply to boost your confidence, whitening can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of your smile.

Benefits of Tooth Whitening

  • Improved Confidence: A whiter smile can make you feel more confident and approachable.

  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Tooth whitening can create a fresh and more youthful appearance.

  • Removes Stains: Stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and aging can be removed to provide a cleaner, whitener smile.

When Is Tooth Whitening Recommended?

Tooth whitening may be suitable for patients who:

  • Have extrinsic stains caused by food, beverages, or smoking.

  • Want to address mild to moderate discoloration for cosmetic reasons.

  • Are preparing for a significant event and want to enhance their smile.

Dr Chenet will evaluate your teeth and determine if whitening is the right option for you. Patients with certain conditions, such as untreated cavities or gum disease, may need to address those issues first.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is tooth whitening safe? Yes, when performed and supervised by a dental professional, whitening is very safe and does not harm the enamel.

  2. How long do whitening results last? Results can last several months to over a year, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Touch-ups may be needed to maintain your desired level of brightness.

  3. Does whitening work on all teeth? Whitening is most effective on natural teeth enamel. It does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, or root surfaces on teeth with a lot of recession.

  4. Will whitening make my teeth sensitive? Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, but this typically resolves quickly. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help. Depending on your sensitivity, different concentrations of whitening are available to minimize sensitivity.

  5. How white will my teeth get? The results vary based on the type and severity of stains, as well as your individual teeth and age. Your dentist will try to provide realistic expectations for your treatment. In some cases, further treatment with bonding or veneers may be needed.

At Harborview Dental, we offer a variety of whitening options for patients to improve their smile

  • Opalescence Go Whitening Opalescence Go is a convenient and professional-grade tooth whitening system with pre-filled disposable trays that are easy to use at home. The trays are filled with a hydrogen peroxide gel that effectively removes stains and brightens teeth. Patients can see noticeable results in as little as a week.

  • Take-Home Whitening Trays with 10% Carbamide Peroxide Custom take-home trays are another excellent option for gradual, professional tooth whitening. With our intraoral scanner we make custom fitted trays to fit your teeth exactly. In these trays you apply a whitening gel containing 10% carbamide peroxide, the most studied and safest whitening concentration! This gentle solution is worn for a recommended duration daily, allowing you to control the pace of your whitening. The process is safe, effective, and delivers professional-level results. and can be used to maintain your desired level of brightness.

Tooth whitening offers a simple yet impactful way to refresh your smile and boost your confidence. If you are interested in tooth whitening as a way to brighten your smile, call us today!