Tooth Whitening

Over time, tooth enamel can change color. Enamel stains may appear light brown, yellow, pink, black, gray or as white spots. Many things can cause teeth to become discolored:

• Genetics – tooth color can run in the family
• Aging
• Trauma to the teeth
• Illness
• Medications, such as tetracycline
• Exposure to certain foods, beverages and tobacco over time
• Ingesting more-than-optimal amounts of fluoride while teeth are developing, before they erupt.

Home-use bleaching whiteners dispensed by dentists usually contain the active ingredient carbamide peroxide. If you use a product at home dispensed by our office, we will first make special bleaching trays for your upper and lower teeth. The bleaching gel is placed in the trays, which are worn for short periods during the day or even overnight as specified in product directions or by our office or the manufacturer.