Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a procedure that lightens the color of outer enamel and can remove outer stains and discoloration from enamel. However, teeth stains fall into two different categories:

• Extrinsic Stains: Otherwise known as “external” stains, these discolorations are formed on the outer layers of a tooth’s enamel structure. Typically, these build-up from normal eating and drinking, and do not penetrate into the inner tooth’s structure.
• Intrinsic Stains: Otherwise known as “internal” stains, these discolorations occur within the deeper, inner tooth layers. Often, these are not a result of eating or drinking, but are created by trauma and damage to the tooth, or certain medications and even aging. 

While extrinsic, or external, stains respond favorably to professional whitening agents, intrinsic stains do not. For internal discoloration, porcelain veneers or dental bonding is usually a better treatment for achieving a more uniform, dramatic result. Dr. Tran uses bleaching agents when treating extrinsic stains; these typically contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide and can produce results that last for about 12 to 18 months.

Dr. Tran, when determining whether a patient is a good candidate for professional whitening, will first identify the type of tooth discoloration a patient has. If a patient’s discolored teeth are caused mainly by extrinsic stains, she’ll then look at the following factors to determine candidacy:

• Restorative Procedures: restorative work such as fillings, dental crowns, or dental bonding does not whiten like natural enamel. If a patient has visible restorations in their smile, porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be a more suitable treatment option.
• Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to receive treatment, simply as a precaution.
• Tooth and Gum Health: Before cosmetic procedures are completed, Dr. Tran will ensure any necessary restorative work — such as worn enamel, cavities, receding gum lines or periodontal disease — is treated.
• Sensitivity: Patients who suffer from sensitivity may have some discomfort when using bleaching agents. Dr. Tran can recommend additional treatment options that will be more comfortable for sensitive teeth.
• Age: Patients should not receive professional whitening treatment if they are under the age of 16. Until then, teeth are still growing and developing, and professional bleaching agents can cause pain or discomfort.

While extrinsic, or external, stains respond favorably to professional whitening agents, intrinsic stains do not. For internal discoloration, porcelain veneers or dental bonding is usually a better treatment for achieving a more uniform, dramatic result. Dr. Tran uses bleaching agents when treating extrinsic stains; these typically contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide and can produce results that last for about 12 to 18 months.

Opalescence is a trusted whitening brand only available from dental practices. For over 25 years, patients have been using Opalescence whitening products for safe, natural-looking results. We offer both an in-office and take-home option so you can select the method that best fits with your lifestyle and goals. Opalescence Go, our take-home option, can deliver results in just 5 to 10 days when wearing whitening trays for as little as 15 minutes a day. Opalescence Boost, our in-office whitening procedure, offers results in just one hour, and is administered and monitored by our team. No matter your whitening desires, we have an option that will work for you!