Teeth Whitening

Did you know that you can transform your smile in just one office visit with teeth whitening? Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, offers an array of in-office and at-home teeth bleaching treatments that can reduce discoloration and give you a whiter, brighter smile.

• Causes of Teeth Staining
• Teeth Whitening Benefits
• Teeth Whitening Candidates
• KöR^® Whitening Deep Bleaching^™ System
• Zoom!^® Tooth Whitening
• Take-Home Whitening Trays
• Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
• Teeth Whitening Frequency
• Tooth Sensitivity Management
• Teeth Whitening Results
• Teeth Whitening Alternatives
• Teeth Whitening Cost
• Teeth Whitening FAQs

What Causes Teeth Staining?

There are three ways to categorize tooth discoloration: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related stains. Understanding what type of stains you have can help determine the best cosmetic treatment for your needs and whitening goals.

Extrinsic stains form on the surface of the tooth enamel or the outside of the tooth. The enamel comes into contact with everything you consume. Over time, the pigment from foods and beverages builds up and stains the teeth. Examples of common teeth-staining foods and beverages include coffee, tea, cola, dark berries, and tomato-based sauces. Starchy foods like pasta and potatoes can also stain teeth. Since extrinsic stains are only on the enamel, they tend to be the easiest type of discoloration to remove.

Intrinsic stains occur when dentin, the layer underneath the tooth enamel, becomes discolored. There are many factors that can cause intrinsic stains, including excess fluoride consumption when the enamel was still forming, tooth decay, medications that contain tetracycline and doxycycline, and the natural aging process. Since intrinsic stains are at a deeper layer of the tooth, they are not as easily treatable as extrinsic stains.

Age-related stains happen naturally as the body changes. As we age, tooth enamel tends to get thinner, dentin starts to become yellower, and stains naturally become more apparent. Patients who use tobacco products and consume teeth-staining foods and beverages on a daily basis have more of a risk of evident tooth discoloration over time.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits, ranging from its aesthetic advantages to the convenience of the treatment. With professional-grade teeth whitening, the bleaching agent is able to whiten the teeth much more effectively than many over-the-counter methods. Generally, patients are able to brighten and whiten teeth by several shades – often up to eight shades or more – in a single office visit with immediate results. Take-home whitening trays take a bit longer; however, these professional whitening solutions can also be significantly more effective than over-the-counter options. Ultimately, by diminishing signs of stains and discoloration, patients can experience a younger-looking smile that has a positive effect on their overall appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can be an ideal solution for many people interested in enhancing their smile; however, there are important factors to consider prior to treatment. Good candidates for professional teeth whitening typically have mild to moderate teeth staining, yellowing, or discoloration and have received an exam to evaluate oral health and conditions that may be aggravated by whitening solutions. Some examples include checking for existing cavities, worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease, and assessing habits such as tobacco use. This evaluation can help to increase the chances of ensuring teeth whitening is a good fit or if treatments to improve dental and periodontal health should be considered first. It is also important to note that some cases of particularly severe stains and discoloration may be better-suited to another type of cosmetic dental care option. For example: porcelain veneers may be recommended for teeth exhibiting stains that are so deep and dark that whitening solutions may not be effective.

Dr. Wu will examine your teeth during the initial consultation to determine whether teeth whitening is the best option for your needs.

The KöR^® Whitening Deep Bleaching^™ System

The KöR^® Whitening Deep Bleaching^™ System is a revolutionary whitening treatment that can lift the darkest, most stubborn stains on your teeth. After an initial in-office whitening session, Dr. Wu will give you some whitening trays to take home. The treatment is designed to produce stunning, long-lasting results without increasing teeth sensitivity.

Zoom!^® Tooth Whitening

Zoom!^® professional teeth whitening procedures are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available. This option involves an in-office procedure that usually takes approximately one hour to complete. The Zoom!^® whitening gel is delicately applied to the teeth, where it will subsequently be activated with a special lighting device. The combination of the light and the whitening solution helps stimulate a process that can reduce the appearance of staining and discoloration, ultimately giving the teeth a more refreshed and whiter look.

Many patients who undergo the Zoom!^® in-office whitening treatment are able to lighten their teeth by up to eight shades, perhaps even more in some cases.

Take-Home Whitening Trays

In addition to our advanced in-office teeth whitening options, Sutra Dental Spa offers portable whitening kits that can be used at home. This can be helpful for patients who would like to enhance the appearance of their teeth on their own schedule, but with a more advanced alternative to most of the teeth whitening solutions that can be purchased in stores. During your initial consultation with Dr. Wu, he can explore the options with you and answer any questions you may have about the take-home teeth whitening treatments available at our practice.

Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

There is no shortage of over-the-counter teeth whitening options that can be found at your local drugstore or supermarket. One of the most important distinctions between these products and professional teeth whitening treatments is the fact that many over-the-counter options do not contain the powerful bleaching agents necessary to significantly whiten the teeth and reduce signs of staining and discoloration. Products such as whitestrips, toothpastes, and rinses often simply cannot penetrate deeper layers of tooth enamel, which is where discoloration that has taken years to develop typically resides. In addition, over-the-counter products may require excessively long periods of consistent use in order to provide results that may yield just a slight degree of lightening. This is also often the case when it comes to “natural” teeth whitening solutions such as coconut oil teeth whitening or charcoal teeth whitening – the American Dental Association has found no evidence to support the notion that those regimens provide a safe and effective whitening solution. Charcoal in particular can be abrasive on the teeth, stripping away natural enamel and potentially creating additional dental problems.

Professional teeth whitening options typically offer a much more effective solution for patients looking to significantly lighten the shade of their teeth and reduce signs of stains and discoloration. Custom-designed teeth whitening treatment can include a procedure that utilizes advanced bleaching agents to create considerably whiter, brighter, and healthier-looking teeth. Plus, many of these options can provide outcomes that are apparent immediately after a single treatment session, without the need to wait weeks and weeks for noticeable results.

How Often Should I Whiten My Teeth?

On average, continued touch-ups may be recommended every four to six months, or after much longer periods, depending on when the results of the first treatment have begun to fade. Personal and lifestyle habits can play a role in the longevity of the results, and some patients may need another whitening treatment sooner than others. Individuals who tend to drink darker-pigmented beverages (coffee, tea, soda, and red wine) and those who use tobacco may need more frequent treatment to uphold their brightened shade. Alternatively, for patients who are more prone to tooth sensitivity, it may be best to space out treatments over longer periods of time.

How Is Tooth Sensitivity Managed During Teeth Whitening?

It is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of tooth sensitivity during and after teeth whitening treatment. This effect typically subsides gradually; however, there are steps that can be taken to reduce sensitivity and discomfort. Patients who already experience sensitive teeth should be sure to communicate this with our dental team before treatment so that the procedure can be adjusted accordingly; a slight decrease in the amount of bleaching gel may effectively lessen resulting sensitivity. Reducing the frequency of whitening your teeth, whether this involves in-office or at-home treatment, may also be of benefit in terms of minimizing tooth sensitivity. Other steps that can be taken to manage this concern include using oral hygiene products that are designed for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne^®, as well as using a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Depending on the specific whitening technique that is performed and the extent of discoloration, full professional teeth whitening treatments can yield results that last from one to four years. Occasional touch-up treatments may be necessary to consistently maintain the outcome, particularly if the teeth are exposed to staining agents such as wine, coffee, and other beverages and foods that can discolor the teeth over time.

Are There Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?

For individuals with darker or more deeply set stains or discoloration, an even more advanced cosmetic option might be best. Oftentimes, these stubborn stains are “intrinsic,” meaning the discoloration occurs in the layer underneath the tooth enamel and are not as easy to treat as surface stains that occur on top of the tooth enamel (extrinsic stains). Fortunately, there are other solutions that may be better suited for this condition. For a severely stained single tooth or multiple teeth, Dr. Wu may recommend porcelain veneers instead. Composed of dental porcelain, veneers are securely placed over the front and sides of the tooth to mask stains/discoloration, as well as chips or cracks. The material is designed to blend in well with surrounding teeth while producing durable, strong, and stain-resistant restorations.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Teeth whitening is one of the more cost-effective ways to enhance—and even transform—the appearance of your smile. Here at Sutra Dental Spa, the cost of teeth whitening typically ranges from approximately $400 to $700. It’s important to note that, since the treatment is customized based on a number of different factors, the price of teeth whitening can vary significantly based on:

• Which kind of teeth whitening treatment system is utilized
• Whether it is an in-office procedure or an at-home teeth whitening treatment
• The extent and severity of discoloration/stains being addressed and the amount of whitening necessary to achieve the best possible results

After you have been evaluated during the initial consultation and your customized treatment plan has been formulated, a member of our dental team will calculate a cost estimate of your teeth whitening procedure and talk with you about our payment options. Our practice accepts a comprehensive array of payment methods, including dental financing plans through CareCredit^®. This reputable agency offers a full selection of low- to no-interest monthly payment plans for qualified applicants.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Under the supervision of an experienced dentist, professional teeth whitening is considered a safe and effective way to whiten your smile. We even consider it more safe to go to the dentist for teeth whitening treatment than using over-the-counter bleaching products. Additionally, professional teeth whitening typically provides more effective and longer-lasting results for patients.

Can I Whiten My Crowns or Veneers?

Teeth whitening will not be able to bleach dental crowns or veneers. If you would like to achieve a whiter smile, it is typically recommended to whiten the teeth before getting crowns or veneers. This way, the dental restorations can properly match the desired shade of your surrounding teeth.

What Should I Eat After Teeth Whitening?

After a whitening session, the teeth temporarily become porous and more susceptible to staining. It is important for patients to monitor what they eat and drink. Some foods and beverages to avoid include tea, coffee, red wine, cola, tomato juice, dark berries, soy sauce, and chocolate. Foods and drinks that usually do not stain the teeth and are okay to eat after treatment include skinless turkey and chicken, white fish, egg whites, white cheeses, yogurt, and skimmed or low-fat milk.

What Causes Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?

Whitening gel temporarily causes the teeth to be more porous after treatment, leaving dentin tubules to be exposed. These very tiny channels connect the surface of the tooth to the center of the tooth where the dental nerves are. Since these dentin tubules are exposed, it can lead to increased sensitivity. After a day or two, the minerals in the teeth should replenish, closing the exposed dentin tubules and reducing tooth sensitivity.

Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile? Contact our dentist today for more details on teeth whitening treatments available at our practice, or to schedule a consultation.