Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that helps improve the color of your teeth by bleaching the enamel layer of your teeth. This is an affordable option for people with healthy teeth and gums who aren’t happy with yellow, grey, or dingy-looking teeth.

Teeth whitening works on the natural surface of your teeth. It doesn’t work with artificial teeth or dental restorations, including fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you would like whiter teeth, but you have artificial restorations, Dr. Zhang has other options that may work for you.

What causes my teeth discoloration?

There are several causes for teeth discoloration, which may include:

• Coffee or tea
• Red wine
• Smoking
• Natural wear
• Injury
• Side effects of some medications

As you age, tooth enamel naturally erodes and exposes the darker underlying layers of the teeth. Genetics also plays a role, as some people have naturally yellow or grey-colored teeth. Teeth whitening can help brighten your smile by several shades, no matter the cause of your discoloration.

What are the possible teeth whitening treatment options?

Beacon Dental Center offers both in-office and in-home whitening systems that give fast results that can last for years.

For in-office treatment, they offer the Sinsational Smile® tooth-whitening system. This system allows for short, 20-minute treatment times with decreased sensitivity as compared to other systems. You may also benefit from a supplemental take-home kit or whitening pen that you can use as needed to ensure longer-term results.

For in-home treatments, they offer customized trays with specialized gel material and specific instructions to wear whitening trays for 30 minutes to an hour every morning or night. In-home treatments typically last up to two weeks, and your results last up to several years.

Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Not every patient is a good candidate for teeth whitening. As part of your initial consultation, Dr. Zhang assesses whether or not teeth whitening treatments are ideal for you.

The best candidates for teeth whitening:

• Are 16 or older
  
• Aren’t breastfeeding or pregnant
  
• Have generally healthy teeth and gums
  
• Don’t have periodontal disease
  
• Don’t have multiple dental restorations

If you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, Dr. Zhang creates a customized treatment plan that fits your goals and preferences.

To see if teeth whitening can brighten your smile, call or schedule an appointment online with Beacon Dental Center today.