Greater Las Vegas Dental

Teeth Whitening

Unlocking the Secrets to a Brighter Smile

Dr. Chen, a distinguished dental professional, provides a comprehensive range of teeth bleaching and whitening services at our Greater Las Vegas Dental facility. Setting us apart from the rest, our commitment to your dental well-being extends beyond the in-office treatment, as we offer customized take-home bleaching trays for ongoing care and maintenance.

When it comes to making a lasting impression, a radiant smile can work wonders. However, over time, our teeth can lose their natural luster due to various factors like aging, diet, and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular, offering a solution to restore the brilliance of your smile. In this article, we'll delve into the science behind teeth whitening and explore some effective methods to achieve that coveted dazzling smile.

Understanding the Science of Teeth Whitening

Before we jump into the methods, it's essential to understand why teeth can become discolored in the first place. Our teeth have an outer protective layer called enamel, which consists of a dense matrix of minerals. The color of your teeth depends on the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the color of the dentin beneath it.

Teeth can become discolored due to:

  • Extrinsic Stains: These are surface stains caused by the accumulation of pigmented molecules from foods, beverages (like coffee, tea, and red wine), and tobacco. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to extrinsic staining.
  • Intrinsic Stains: These are stains that occur within the tooth's structure. They can result from aging, trauma, certain medications, or excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

Now that we understand the causes of tooth discoloration, let's explore two common methods of teeth whitening:

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed in a dental office are considered one of the most effective and efficient ways to achieve a brighter smile. Dentists use a higher concentration of whitening agents compared to over-the-counter products. Here's how it works:

  • A protective barrier is applied to your gums to prevent any irritation.
  • A potent whitening gel, typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to your teeth.
  • A specialized light or laser may be used to activate the whitening agent and accelerate the process.
  • The process is usually completed in one or more sessions, depending on the severity of the staining.

    Zoom WhiteSpeed

    Patient wearing protective glasses during in-office Zoom teeth whitening with a blue LED light

    Dr. Chen provides access to professional-grade teeth whitening systems, ensuring both the safety of your treatment and the enhancement of your oral health. Our in-office Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed Whitening delivers immediate and remarkable results, with the potential to whiten your teeth by up to eight shades in just 60 minutes. This widely favored brand employs innovative blue LED light technology to penetrate and eliminate stains efficiently, making it the top choice for patients seeking professional-level whitening.

    At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

    Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are readily available and can produce noticeable results, although they may take longer than professional treatments. These kits typically include custom-fitted trays and a less concentrated whitening gel. Here's how they work:

    • You'll receive custom trays that fit your teeth, improving the even distribution of the whitening gel.
    • You apply the whitening gel to the trays and wear them for a specified period, usually daily for several weeks.
    • Gradually, your teeth will become visibly whiter.

    It's important to follow the instructions provided with these kits and consult with your dentist if you experience any issues or have concerns.

      In conclusion, teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can restore the natural brilliance of your smile. Whether you choose in-office professional treatment or an at-home kit, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene and consult with your dentist for the best results. With the right approach, you can achieve a brighter, more confident smile that leaves a lasting impression.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How much whiter will my teeth get?

      Results depend on your starting shade and the kind of staining. Greater Las Vegas Dental’s in-office Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed treatment can lighten teeth by up to eight shades in about an hour. Yellowish stains from coffee, tea, wine or aging usually respond best; gray stains from medications or trauma are harder to lift.

      Is professional teeth whitening safe?

      Yes, when it is supervised by a dentist. Before whitening, your teeth and gums are checked for cavities or gum problems, and your gums are protected during in-office treatment. Professional whitening does not damage enamel when used as directed.

      Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

      Some people notice temporary sensitivity to cold during or for a day or two after whitening. It usually fades quickly. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding very hot or cold drinks for a day or two can help.

      How long do teeth whitening results last?

      Whitening results commonly last from several months to a few years, depending on habits such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. Custom take-home trays from Greater Las Vegas Dental make it easy to do short touch-ups whenever you need them.

      In-office or take-home whitening: which is better?

      In-office Zoom whitening gives the fastest, most dramatic change in a single visit. Custom take-home trays use a gentler gel over a week or two and are ideal for maintenance. Many patients combine them: an in-office session for the main result, then trays for touch-ups.

      Will whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?

      No. Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel; crowns, veneers, bonding and tooth-colored fillings keep their original shade. If you have visible restorations, it is best to whiten first and then match any new or replacement work to your new shade.

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