Your teeth have pores just like your skin or a sponge. Anything you put in your mouth that has color will be absorbed into those pores. Wine, coffee, tea, and smoking are extremely effective at staining teeth. Over time, the natural color of your teeth becomes darker due to these stains. These stains will never go away unless you actively remove them. Properly formulated teeth whitening gel, which contains carbamide peroxide, works by gently pushing stains out through the pores.
Tooth restorations cannot be whitened:
When artificial materials such as composite fillings, crowns and veneers are bonded or cemented to the teeth, their color is chosen to match the color of the surrounding teeth. Once the color is chosen, it cannot be changed. Therefore, fillings, crowns, and veneers will not be whitened but neither will they be damaged by the teeth whitening process.
Abuse of any kind, such as aggressive brushing, can damage to your teeth. However, the teeth whitening process does not damage your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is incredibly safe if used as instructed. The whitening process uses active ingredients to temporarily open pores in your teeth and lift stains. After each whitening session, your teeth will be naturally re-mineralized and rehydrated.
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal:
More than 60% of Americans have naturally sensitive teeth. This is most often the result of genetics, thin enamel, or cracked/damaged teeth. During the whitening process, it is common for teeth to become more sensitive. The teeth become temporarily dehydrated, which reduces their ability to insulate the nerve from changes in temperature. Normally, sensitivity will disappear 12-36 hours after whitening. Dentists and hygienists recommend a post whitening fluoride treatment to nourish the teeth, promote re-hydration and lessen the sensitivity.
Ultra-violet (UV) light is a frequency of light that works to accelerate the effect of the whitening. This process is FDA regulated and only offered under dentist supervision. Although it does whiten very quickly, it is not an option for people with sensitive teeth.
Customers with severe stains must be patient with the process and know that each whitening session removes years of stains. Once those stains are gone, it is incredibly easy to maintain.
Whether done at home or in the dental office, teeth whitening results are temporary and must still be maintained (often with custom-fitted whitening trays or repeat dental visits).
