Teeth Whitening

What are some common causes of tooth discoloration?

Besides natural age-related discoloration, there are two main types of tooth discoloration—extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic refers to stains on the outer part of the tooth (the enamel) caused by coffee, red wine, coca cola, pasta sauce, balsamic vinegar and other food and beverages dark in color. Smoking tobacco also causes extrinsic stains. Intrinsic refers to the darkening or yellowing of the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin). Certain medications, rare conditions and interior damage to the tooth can cause intrinsic staining.

What does a professional teeth whitening service at Sugarfree Dental entail?

We offer both in-office treatments and take-home kits. For optimal results and lasting benefits, we recommend using both. An in-office treatment using our professional-grade whitening agent can dramatically whiten your teeth – up to ten shades –  in an hour or less. Light used in the procedure helps activate hydrogen peroxide in the whitening agent, which penetrates the surface of the tooth. To maintain these results, Dr. Yang will make you a custom mouth tray that can be filled with our  potent whitening gel and worn whenever you need a touch-up.  

Are professional teeth whitening treatments preferable to over-the-counter whitening products?

Widely sold over-the-counter whitening gels, strips and trays have notably less hydrogen peroxide than professional whitening treatments, rendering them much less effective. Also, sensitive gums and teeth are often susceptible to irritation from home whitening kits. Whitening treatments performed in a professional dental office environment can alleviate and often even completely ward off symptoms like soft tissue irritation and hypersensitivity of teeth.

Are there long-term health risks associated with teeth whitening?

No, according to multiple clinical studies and reports, including a comprehensive one done by the American Dental Association (ADA), there are no long-term oral or systemic health risks.