Tooth Whitening Philadelphia

Questions about Tooth Whitening

Q: I don't smoke, and I rarely drink tea or coffee. Why are my teeth not as white as they used to be?

A: As you mentioned, drinking coffee and smoking can make your teeth turn yellow. Other foods and drinks can also cause your teeth to become discolored, including red wine, black tea, soda, and berries. Certain medications can also cause teeth to darken. Your teeth are partially porous, and they can absorb the pigments and colors contained in these things. Teeth also tend to darken as a person ages too.

Q: What can I do about the discoloration of my teeth?

A: Come in for a professional tooth whitening treatment. I use a gentle, but powerful teeth whitening system called Zoom! Whitening, which has been clinically proven to be safe. Normally this tooth bleaching treatment is effective for around six months.Alternatively, you could opt for one of our custom-made at-home tooth whitening kits.

Q: Are there any side-effects of tooth bleaching?

A: Some of the gels used for tooth bleaching may cause tooth sensitivity. Others include a sensitivity preventative ingredient in the gel. In either case, I recommend a fluoride-rich toothpaste like Sensodyne for use after the tooth whitening process.

Q: Does the process take more than one visit?

A: Every patient is different, our in-office professional teeth whitening is intended to be one-visit procedure, but some people have stains that are more resistent to teeth whitening and require multiple treatments.

Q: Is bleaching safe for porcelain veneers?

A: The tooth whitening solution is safe for porcelain veneers and fillings as well.

Q: My daughter is using a tooth bleaching kit she bought at a drug store. Is it safe for her teeth? 

A: Professional tooth bleaching is safe and effective for patients of any age.This is not always true of the over-the-counter treatments that you find in your local grocery store. These products are not custom-fitted to your teeth, and the tooth whitening solution does not make consistent contact with the teeth as effectively so the whitening may be uneven. If your daughter is determined to use these products, instruct her to ensure that her teeth are dry when she uses them. Saliva can counteract the tooth bleaching agents. Some patients report more tooth sensitivity after using products such as over-the-counter tooth whitening strips. Tooth whitening toothpastes can also contain a high amount of abrasive material, which can be hard on your teeth. Be sure to only use whitening toothpastes that have been reviewed and approved by the ADA. These whitening toothpastes have been deemed safe, although they will never be as effective as professional tooth whitening.

If you're interested in tooth whitening in the Philadelphia area, call us at 610-228-4260 to make an appointment or request an appointment online. You can also call our office or email us with questions.