Teeth Whitening Facts

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?
Dentists have known for years that tray whitening or bleaching is a fast, safe and predictable way to whiten teeth 2-5 shades in a matter of days. To see what the American Dental Association says about the safety of tooth whitening click here.

Does It Work?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Listen to the researchers. Studies done on custom teeth whitening trays show the average person’s teeth will lighten between 6 and 8 shades in two weeks. Click here for before and after examples.

How Long Will the Results Last?
The tooth is whitened inside and out. This allows your teeth to remain visible whiter for 3-5 years. You can maintain the whiteness with periodic touch-ups of one or two treatments every six months are usually required. 
How do I select Carbamide Peroxide Percentage?
When wearing the trays, Carbamide Peroxide is slowly broken down to Hydrogen Peroxide which whitens the teeth. The 16% gel whitens more slowly but causes less tooth sensitivity. The 22% gel whitens quickly but can cause temporary sensitivity to temperatures. Click here to order.

Comparing Whitening Methods

What is the difference between laser whitening and custom mouthpieces?
Laser is done by a dentist who applies a 35% Hydrogen Peroxide solution on your teeth. Once this solution is on, a light is held a couple of inches away from your teeth to speed up the chemical reaction of the Hydrogen Peroxide. Many dentists advertise that this works better than tray type whitening. That has not been our experience. There is NO clinical data to indicate the laser whitening works any better than tray whitening. NONE! This procedure costs $500 plus. The problem with this procedure is that after a year of your normal eating habits (drinking coke, tea, coffee, etc.) your teeth become slightly discolored again and develops a new stain. With the laser whitening, you will have to go and pay $500 plus to have white teeth again. With the custom mouthpieces, you already have the custom mouthpieces that you can wear a year later for a hour to take off the new stain at no cost.

How Does This System Compare to Crest White Strips?
Crest White Strips are plastic strips that are coated with Hydrogen Peroxide and placed across the front teeth. The strips do work...sort of. Tests by Crest show that teeth are lightened an average of 1 to 2 shades. The strips also do not get in between the teeth as effectively as the trays and the miss the back teeth. In short you will see very limited results with this product.

Who should not whiten their teeth

Age and pregnancy issues:
Whitening is not recommended in children under the age of 16. Tooth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.

Sensitive teeth and allergies:
Individuals with highly sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.

Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots:
Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.

Fillings, crowns and other restorations:
Crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges, and fillings do not whiten. Usually this is only a concern if the restorations have been done on the face of the front teeth. If possible, teeth whitening should be done prior to the placement of restorations or redone after the teeth have been whitened.

Darkly stained teeth:

Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well. Blue-gray staining caused by tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to 6 months of home treatments to successfully lighten.

Minimizing Side Effects

The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.

If you do experience sensitivity, you can reduce or eliminate it by:

Wearing the tray for a shorter period of time (for example, two 30-minute sessions vs. two 60-minute sessions)
Stop whitening your teeth for two to three days to allow your teeth to adjust to the whitening process
Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a high fluoride-containing product, which can help remineralize your teeth. Apply the fluoride product to the tray and wear for 4 minutes prior to and following the whitening agent.
Brush your teeth with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps soothe your teeth's nerve endings.