Many people struggle with embarrassing spots and stains on their teeth, which can be caused by drinking coffee, tea or soda. Tobacco use, natural aging, trauma to the teeth, accumulation of tartar deposits and plaque can also be a few of the many causes that can cause yellowing to the teeth. If you’re looking for a whiter smile, here are some answers to common questions about how to get it. 

How does teeth whitening work?

Whitening products consist of either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The purpose of these bleaches is to break deep stains into smaller, more manageable sections. There are many teeth whitening options, and they vary in price and duration. Some of the options are in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching from your dentist, over-the-counter bleaching products and stain removal toothpaste.

Which whitening option should I choose?

You can choose from these based on your budget, the results you want, and how much time you want to spend wearing the product. Speak to your dentist about what option works best for you, though the most successful whitening treatments are those in the dentist office or the take-home kit we can provide.

Are UV lights necessary for teeth whitening?

The UV light teeth whitening method has been popular among celebrities and YouTubers, but is it really beneficial? There is no sufficient evidence stating that UV light teeth whitening helps whiten teeth more or less than other products. (Read: Myths about teeth whitening.)

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening options can be expensive, so toothpaste offers a cheaper alternative. Whitening toothpaste will make your smile whiter, but the results take far longer to notice and are less dramatic. However, using a whitening toothpaste in addition to bleach treatments will help. Choose a product with the American Dental Association seal of approval. Please note that excessive coffee, tea, and wine consumption will slow down the whitening process.

Sensitivity

You may experience increased sensitivity following whitening procedures or at-home whitening. Ask your dentist about which ones work best if you have sensitive teeth. Even those without sensitive teeth may experience it; if you are using at-home whitening strips, you can try using them every other day instead of daily to ease your discomfort.

Questions about teeth whitening? Ask us during your next dental visit.