Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a process used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile. The term commonly refers to lightening discolored teeth; however, the treatment can also whiten stained and dulled teeth. Either way, teeth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure that is ideal for most patients. Some patients' teeth can become discolored due to aging, consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, or tobacco, or simply from the effects of genetic predisposition. For these patients, teeth whitening may significantly boost their self-confidence by improving the color of their teeth without negatively impacting the tooth's structural integrity.

Several factors can contribute to the success of teeth whitening treatments, including the nature of the stain being treated and the treatment approach itself. In-office teeth whitening treatments are faster-acting but typically more expensive, while at-home treatments provide more affordable alternatives and often produce comparable results. In any case, teeth whitening treatments can give excellent results for most patients, though they may not be suitable for everyone. Consulting with our dentist at Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, is the best way to determine if teeth whitening could be right for you.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening Systems

Professional whitening treatment at your dentist’s office can whiten your teeth in multiple shades, brightening your smile and giving you the confidence to smile bigger and brighter.

When you opt for professional teeth whitening, you can expect a safe and controlled procedure that is less harsh than the over-the-counter methods you can buy at the store. 

Over-the-Counter At-Home Teeth Whitening Systems

Many options exist for at-home whitening systems, including toothpaste, strips, and trays. These options typically contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach the teeth. However, some of these products only remove the surface stains from teeth, so they may not be effective in patients who have severe staining issues.

The Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can significantly benefit your oral health and self-confidence. It’s safe and quick and can brighten your smile by several shades! With professional whitening treatments, patients can expect their smiles to be three to eight shades brighter after treatment. Professional whitening is generally safer because, though the products used are much stronger than those purchased over the counter at local pharmacies, it is performed and regulated by a professional dentist. Many patients achieve results that last for years with proper maintenance, including regular brushing and flossing and seeing a dentist every six months for routine cleanings.

Following a professional whitening treatment, many patients also report a boost in their self-confidence. Because whiter teeth are often associated with youth and beauty, patients who undergo teeth whitening often feel younger and more confident in their appearance. This boost in self-esteem can have a significant overall positive effect on a person’s life and happiness.

To diagnose the exact cause of your discolored teeth, visit Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 for a checkup and professional cleaning.