Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses peroxide-based agents (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to lighten the color of natural teeth by breaking down stains and discoloration. Treatments are offered in-office for immediate results, or through custom at-home kits prescribed by a dentist.
Why Teeth Whitening is Performed
The main goal is to improve the aesthetic appearance of a smile by reducing stains caused by aging, smoking, or consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine Types of Teeth Whitening Treatment
A dentist applies a high-concentration whitening gel to the teeth, often activated by a specialized UV light or laser. This is done in one session (roughly 1–2 hours) and offers the fastest, most effective results.
Dentists create custom-fitted trays for your teeth and provide professional-grade whitening gel. These are used at home, typically daily for a few hours, over the course of one to two weeks.
These include toothpaste, whitening strips, and over-the-counter kits, which are generally less concentrated and take longer to show results compared to professional methods.
What to Know Before Treatment
Whitening works best on surface stains caused by food, drink, and smoking.
A dental exam is necessary beforehand to ensure teeth are healthy enough, as whitening agents can cause pain in teeth with cavities or gum disease.
Common side effects include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Whitening does not work on dental crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Results typically last six months to a year, though they can be repeated.