If your teeth are stained and yellowed due to age, tobacco use, or even overconsumption of coffee, tea, or wine, we can get your smile looking fresh again. Millions of Americans have their teeth whitened every year. It’s one of the most convenient and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments, and it offers beautiful results. If you’re embarrassed to smile because of stained or yellow teeth, call us today to schedule a whitening appointment!
Professional-grade teeth whitening products are made with special organic compounds called “peroxides”. Peroxides are a type of compound that contain volatile oxygen molecules, which react violently when they come into contact with stains, similar to bleach. These volatile molecules “break” the chemical bonds that hold stains onto your teeth, releasing them from the enamel. In turn, this restores the natural whiteness of your teeth, leading to a brighter smile.
Only exterior stains can be treated with teeth whitening. Discolorations caused by smoking, eating dark-colored foods like blueberries, drinking wine, coffee, and tea, and yellowing caused by the natural aging process can all be removed with professional whitening.
However, teeth whitening cannot treat internal stains. For example, if the interior of your tooth is grayish because of a metal filling, or if your teeth have internal stains caused by reactions to antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline, the peroxides in teeth whitening will not be able to reverse the discoloration, though other cosmetic dentistry options could improve the appearance of your smile.
Both in-office and at-home whitening are equally effective, but in-office whitening usually provides faster results. When you come to Brite Clean Smiles for a whitening appointment, we use a powerful whitening compound as well as UV light, which “turbocharges” the reaction between peroxide and your tooth enamel. You can get teeth that are up to 5 shades whiter in just one appointment. If you need whiter teeth before a special event, in-office teeth whitening will give you speedy results.
Our at-home option delivers the same level of whitening, but it takes a bit longer to get the same results. Our team will provide you with multiple sets of custom-built whitening trays, which you’ll wear at home on your own schedule. Treatment usually takes a week or longer, but you’ll be able to wear your trays on your own time, in the comfort of your own home, and your gradual whitening will seem more natural.
Over-the-counter products will not provide you with the same results as a professional whitening treatment. They are “one-size-fits-all” and are not intended to provide customized results based on your specific needs. It is easy to over-whiten your teeth if you are using an over-the-counter whitening treatment without supervision from a dentist. This can lead to chalky, brittle teeth and permanent tooth damage.
In addition, many over-the-counter products are not safe to use. We only recommend using ADA-approved at-home whitening kits like Crest Whitestrips. These products contain low levels of whitener and are usually fairly safe to use.
However, the opposite is true of some whitening kits, especially those sold online. Some of these kits may have extremely high levels of peroxide (whitener). If you use them incorrectly, you could cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
There are also some “whitening” products out there that are completely ineffective, and can permanently damage your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste is a good example of this. This type of toothpaste has become a trendy option for whitening your teeth. However, it doesn’t actually whiten your teeth at all. The harsh, abrasive charcoal can permanently damage your enamel with repeated use. Your teeth may look whiter, but that’s because your enamel is being worn away, and taking stains with it.
Professional in-office or take-home whitening treatment at Brite Clean Smiles is always the best option for safely removing stains. You’ll get better results and peace of mind knowing that your teeth will remain strong and healthy.
The only common side effect of professional whitening is tooth sensitivity. Your teeth may be somewhat more sensitive to heat and cold for a little while after your treatment, but this usually only lasts a few days. You can use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne to help mitigate this sensitivity.
More rarely, your gums may become irritated due to the whitening compound contacting your gum tissue. This will not happen when receiving treatment from . Whether you choose in-office or take-home whitening, we will ensure the whitener never touches your gums.
There are a few ways you can keep your teeth bright after whitening. First, make sure you brush and floss properly, and see our team for regular teeth cleanings every six months.
You can also switch to a whitening toothpaste with peroxide, and use whitening mouthwash to help prevent stain buildup. We also recommend reducing your consumption of staining beverages like coffee, tea, and wine, and rinsing your mouth after consuming them. Drinking these beverages through a straw can also help keep your smile healthy by minimizing contact with your teeth.
Finally, it is important to stop smoking and cease the use of oral tobacco, if applicable. Smoking, chewing tobacco (dip), snus, and other tobacco products will all cause yellowing and discoloration to build up within a few months of your whitening treatment, ruining your newly-brightened smile.
Whether you’re in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, or anywhere else in Orange County, Brite Clean Smiles offers top-notch teeth whitening options. With a dedication to patient comfort and an informative approach to dentistry, We will help you understand all of your options and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your appointment today at (949) 777-1005, or by coming to our office at 488 East 17th St. STE A-101, Costa Mesa, California, 92627.
