What is Teeth Whitening?

When teeth are discolored, it usually isn’t a sign of anything serious. Instead, it’s more of an aesthetic problem than a symptom of any other dental problem. Visiting a dentist for a professional whitening treatment can help bring back a brighter, whiter smile that you will love again.

Here are a few reasons why your teeth may be stained and discolored:

• Drinking coffee, black tea, or red wine
• Tobacco use
• Aging
• Medications
• Other foods like berries or use of soy sauce

There is also something called intrinsic staining. This type of stain is most commonly caused during tooth development from fluorosis, tetracycline, or trauma and occurs within the dentin from enamel wear and exposure.

Since this staining is inside the tooth, whitening treatment and bleaching will most likely not work. Patients with intrinsic staining will need to look into other cosmetic procedures such as dental bonding, crowns, or veneers to correct the discolored teeth.

Types of Tooth Whitening Treatments

There are many types of whitening treatments out there. Some are bought from the store, and others are professional-grade and need a dentist’s application or supply.

Here are some of the different types of whitening treatments:

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips can be a store-bought, non-prescription teeth whitening option. However, they typically take up to two weeks for the full effect to be seen.

Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is teeth whitening done with traditional toothpaste, just as you would use on your teeth daily.

Whitening Gel/Whitening Trays

The whitening gel is whitening done at the dentist’s office with the use of whitening trays. This procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour and will take one or two visits, depending on the gel type.

Gels can be bleach-based or hydrogen peroxide-based as the whitening agent. They can also offer take-home kits with the product that you can use to maintain a white smile.

Professional vs. Store Bought Treatments

You can buy some tooth whitening options in stores, but they cannot compare to the teeth whitening results done through a dentist’s office. Not only do store-bought options not work as well as professional treatments, but they may not be as safe for your teeth.

Store-bought whitening products pros and cons:

• Store-bought teeth whitening can be less expensive
• It can be done in the comfort of your home
• It May take longer for whitening results
• Not as safe for teeth
• Can cause teeth sensitivity

Professional tooth whitening pros and cons:

• It can be done through any dentist office, and insurance may cover some of the costs
• Results are guaranteed
• It can be much faster than teeth whitening at home
• Fewer teeth sensitivity when done by a dentist in the office

For the best results, stick to teeth whitening procedures from a dentist or other qualified professional. If you try teeth whitening at home, make sure to receive a professional kit from the dentist.

Our dental office in Cheshire uses GLO Whitening Treatments for in-office and take-home options.

GLO Whitening Treatment

A beautiful, healthy smile will make you feel great inside and out. Glo whitening products help to lighten patients’ teeth with less chair time and less tooth sensitivity. This treatment uses hydrogen peroxide to bleach the teeth and make your smile up to 12 shades lighter.

Don’t let tooth discoloration and stained teeth get you down. Let our dentist, Dr. Kurtz, help you smile bright again!

In-office Treatment

For the in-office procedure, the whitening process takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The GLO system consists of gel and customized trays to fit your mouth comfortably. The gel is made to bleach the teeth only and not affect the gums. This treatment only requires a single office visit and can last for up to a year.

Take-Home Kit

Whether you have already received the in-office treatment or like the convenience of being able to whiten your teeth at home, Dr. Kurtz also offers the GLO take-home kit for whitening treatment. So you can have a beautiful smile for any occasion with professional quality right at home. 

If you are interested in a brighter smile, contact the dental office of Dr. Renee Kurtz Cheshire, CT 06410 (203)699-9705.