Is teeth whitening safe?
YES! Decades of research have proved that bleaching and other teeth whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Tooth whitening is considered by many dentists and patients alike, as the safest cosmetic dental procedure. There is no literature that we have found that says that there is any structural or irreversible damage to the tooth structure what so ever.
How does teeth whitening work?
The active ingredient in most tooth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The peroxide is a bleach which safely removes stains by bleaching the enamel and dentin.
What are the different methods for getting my teeth whitened?
Teeth whitening can be performed at home or by a dentist. When done by a dentist the result are usually quicker but can be very expensive. You have plenty of choice with the at home methods, these include natural teeth whitening methods and over the counter remedies, such as teeth whitening strips, gels and bleaching using moulds either custom made or boil and bit trays.
Are there any side effects?
Occasionally some people experience side effects from tooth whitening such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. These symptoms are temporary and should disappear after the whitening treatment. More information on the side effects of teeth whitening is available on the Teeth Whitening Risks page.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The costs can vary enormously. As with everything you get what you pay for.
Does teeth whitening work for everyone?
Results can and do vary as every ones teeth are different. Some people’s teeth respond better that others but every one should see some improvement. See Limitation of Teeth Whitening.
How long does the whitening last?
This all depends on the person and how well they look after their teeth. Usually a teeth whitening will last for six months to a year. Follow ups are recommended on average every six months. See Maintaining Teeth Whiteness.
What can I do to make the effects of tooth whitening last longer?
The best method is to keep good oral habits. Drink plenty of water and avoid food that can stain teeth. Visit the dentist regularly. If you smoke try to give up.
See the Keeping Teeth White page for more information.
Will teeth whitening work on my Composite Fillings, Crowns, or Veneers?
Sorry no. Teeth whitening does not work on crowns, veneers or fillings. Due to this fact, you may end up with different colored teeth unless you replace the crown or veneer.
Will my insurance cover teeth whitening?
Unfortunately no. Insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry.
Why do I get white spots on my teeth after whitening?
Many first time users get this result. This happens because your teeth
can have small deposits of plaque build up and that plaque responds
faster to the treatment than your natural teeth.
Continue the treatment until your teeth become uniformly white and
bright. It will not take long and the white spots disappear with in a
couple hours after each treatment
