Tooth Whitening

Teeth whitening can brighten the shade of your teeth. But individual results can vary and aren’t instant. If you want to whiten your teeth, your options are getting an in-office treatment or take-home trays.

Some beauty salons offer this service. But for your safety and oral health, it’s best to consult a dental professional.

Teeth Whitening Options

Almost all teeth whitening procedures use peroxide. The stronger the peroxide, the whiter your teeth will be. However, peroxide can’t be left on the teeth for too long as it may cause sensitivity.

  • At-home whitening – At Dr. Van Berkel and Associates, we offer this option because it provides excellent results at the best price. You may choose between whitening strips and bleaching trays. The tray-based whitening involves wearing a fitted mouthguard-like appliance giving full coverage to all your teeth. The appliance is filled with a bleaching gel and needs to be worn for a specified amount of time each day during treatment. You can also apply whitening strips directly to your teeth for a set amount of time each day for the length of treatment. The whitening strips are impregnated with the whitening agent – they need to be adapted to the dental arch.
  • Laser activated whitening – Another tooth whitening option is activation of the agent with a strong light or laser. This may be desirable for patients who want same day results. Patients can still periodically use take-home bleaching trays to maintain the results.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. You may need to come back to the dental office for touch-ups after a couple of months or every year. You also need to take into account other factors that may cause tooth discoloration:

  • Aging
  • Medications
  • Smoking
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Black tea or coffee
  • Wine
  • Sauces

Are There Risks Involved in Teeth Whitening?

You may experience sensitivity after receiving teeth whitening procedures. Improper use of at-home whitening kits can also lead to burned gums or damaged tooth enamel. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. And contact the dental office right away if you have any discomfort or problems.