Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the surface of the teeth without removing any of the enamel. It can’t completely change the color of your teeth, but can lighten the shade. It can be done at home with strips or kits, and dentists can perform teeth whitening procedures as well. 

What causes your teeth to darken?

• The first culprit is aging. Over time, the enamel wears off. Regardless of how well you treat your teeth, this is inevitable.
• Coffee, tea, and red wine, contain chromogens which attach to the white surface of your teeth.
• Tobacco contains nicotine and tar, which creates stains.
• Injury and broken teeth. Trauma that breaks teeth causes the tooth to repair itself with dentin, a darker subsurface tooth layer.
• Acidic foods like alcohol, and again, coffee discolor the teeth.
• Some medications can cause the teeth to become darker. 
• Poor oral hygiene. Simply put, not brushing will lead to stains and bigger problems, like periodontitis and tooth loss down the road.

Professional Whitening Methods

Teeth bleaching

This procedure is performed at the dentist’s office. It involves applying hydrogen peroxide to the teeth. A protective gel will be placed on the gums in order to keep the chemicals from harming the capillaries in the inner mouth.

The procedure takes three to four week. After the treatment begins, you will continue the treatment regularly at home, over the course of two to four weeks. It will take 30 minutes for each treatment. 

In some cases, you can talk to the dentist, and the dentist will supply you with at-home teeth whitening kits that you can apply yourself. 

Laser whitening

Also performed at a dentist’s office, laser whitening is a highly-effective new method of whitening teeth by several shades. The procedure will vary based on each person’s medical situation and capabilities, but it generally takes one hour.

Other teeth whitening methods

Home whitening/kits

Home whitening kits include various strips, gels, and even UV treatment. They are not always assessed for safety though, so the chemicals inside may irritate you. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you have sensitive teeth, implants, fillings, or crowns, or extremely dark stains. 

If you want to read more about teeth whitening at home, check out our article about it.

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is a great option for easy and irritant-free teeth lightening. Simply use the whitening toothpaste when you brush each day, as directed on the box/tube.

Looking to whiten your teeth?

If you want to learn more about teeth whitening, check our our three part series on it on our blog:

Part 1: In this part, we cover common myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening procedures.

Part 2: This article discusses in detail the different methods available for teeth whitening. 

Part 3: Part 3 covers the treatment method for tooth restorations that have become stained. 

At Josey Lane Dentistry, we perform a wide variety of dental services. Our services include preventative dentistry and advice in maintaining the best oral health possible, as well as restorative dentistry, including crowns and bridges. 

We offer in-office and take-home whitening solutions. What is the best teeth whitening method? That can be hard to figure out, and the answer is different for everyone. Fortunately, we offer a customer-oriented solution: an analysis of your dental health and history to find the best option that works for you. Let your smile be as bright as it can be! If you are in the Carrollton Texas neighborhood, feel free to reach out to us and find out about your tooth whitening options.