Dr. A. Tellez
Serving El Paso-Juarez-Las Cruces area for over 25 years.
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Dental Whitening (sometimes called "bleaching") is a popular dental procedure used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while others just want a whiter shade.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
What are the different ways to whiten teeth?
There are a number of different ways to whiten teeth. There are accelerated in-office approaches using a light activated technique with the peroxide gel. There are also at-home whitening kits used with a peroxide gel. Also, porcelain veneers can have the effect of whitening teeth to the shade determined by you and your cosmetic dentist.
How is whitening performed?
Whitening can be performed by our cosmetic dentist in the office. Treatment in our office begins when we create a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution (composed of carbamide peroxide) is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one hour and ½ visit to our office.
How long does whitening last?
Like skin tone, each person is different. In addition to genetics, it depends on how many cups of coffee, glasses of cola, red wine and other staining drinks and food you have cross your teeth. Many people can go from one to three years without significant need for touch-ups in whitening.
What can I expect with whitening?
No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Whitening can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resin, composite, or porcelain.
Can my existing porcelain veneers or crowns be bleached?
No, porcelain does not change color when exposed to dental whitening gel.
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