Teeth Whitening

Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

When we’re young, our teeth naturally appear bright and white. However, over time, various factors can lead to tooth discoloration, leaving your smile looking dull or stained. Today, there are countless products and treatments available that promise whiter teeth—from whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter kits to professional treatments offered by your dentist. Before choosing a whitening option, it’s important to understand how teeth become discolored and what solutions are truly effective.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration typically falls into two categories: internal and external.

• Internal discoloration happens when changes occur within the tooth itself. Common causes include childhood antibiotic use, tooth decay, old dental restorations, or trauma to developing teeth.

• External discoloration is caused by outside factors such as smoking, coffee, tea, and soda. Making simple lifestyle changes can help prevent these stains and maintain your bright smile longer.

Whitening vs. Bleaching: What’s the Difference?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a key difference between whitening and bleaching:

• Whitening products, like certain toothpastes, remove surface stains but do not address deeper discoloration.

• Bleaching treatments use special agents that penetrate the enamel to break down internal stains.

Over-the-counter whitening products can be helpful for mild staining but usually contain lower concentrations of active ingredients. For deeper, longer-lasting results, professional whitening from a cosmetic dentist is recommended.

The Best Way to Achieve a Whiter Smile

If you’re serious about brightening your smile, visiting a cosmetic dentist is the safest and most effective option. At Shatkin Dental Health, in-office whitening treatments are carefully monitored to deliver maximum results with minimal risk.

Here’s how it works:

Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or debris

A cheek retractor is placed to protect your lips and skin, and a protective barrier is applied to the gums.

A professional-strength bleaching agent is applied to the teeth for 15 to 30 minutes.

In some cases, a special light may be used to accelerate the whitening process.

For mild cases or long-term maintenance, your dentist may provide a custom take-home whitening kit with higher-concentration gel and personalized trays for even application—superior to store-bought kits.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional teeth whitening is generally safe when performed occasionally. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity or mild gum irritation, but these side effects usually resolve within a few days. Your dentist may recommend a sensitivity toothpaste to ease any discomfort.

Keeping Your Smile Bright

After whitening, it’s important to maintain your results:

• Limit stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.

• Use a whitening toothpaste to help maintain brightness.

• Brush after consuming dark liquids to prevent new stains from setting in.

If you’re ready to brighten your smile, contact Shatkin Dental Health today to schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation. Let us help you achieve a confident, radiant smile in comfort—whether in our office or with a custom at-home kit designed just for you!