Services
Teeth Whitening
Whitening lightens the shade of a tooth without changing its shape or structure. That makes it the lowest-commitment cosmetic option there is, and usually the first thing people try.
Why teeth discolor in the first place
Staining generally falls into two categories. Extrinsic staining sits on the outer enamel and comes from what you eat, drink, and use, with coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco the usual suspects. It tends to respond well to whitening. Intrinsic discoloration happens inside the tooth, from causes like aging, certain medications taken during childhood tooth development, or trauma, and it responds less predictably, sometimes not at all. Knowing which type you're dealing with sets realistic expectations before starting.
How professional whitening works
Professional treatments use a peroxide-based whitening gel at a strength well above what's available over the counter, so results tend to be faster and more even than store-bought strips or toothpaste. The gel breaks down stain molecules within the tooth structure through an oxidation reaction. It lightens the tooth itself instead of just cleaning the surface, and that's the real difference between whitening and a regular cleaning.
Making it last
- Avoid or limit dark staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after treatment, when teeth are most porous and prone to picking up new stains.
- Rinse or brush soon after coffee, tea, or red wine instead of letting the staining sit.
- Keep up with regular cleanings, since surface plaque and tartar dull a whitened result over time.
- Expect touch-ups eventually. Whitening isn't permanent, and how long it lasts depends heavily on your diet and habits.