Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is one of the simplest and fastest ways to enhance your smile’s appearance. At Federal Way Dental in Federal Way, Washington, David Rubinov, DDS and the team offer effective whitening solutions that can remove deep stains and discoloration from your teeth. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening lightens the shade of your teeth with a cosmetic treatment. Often called tooth bleaching, whitening treatments remove stains and discoloration from your teeth within an hour. 

While over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products remove extrinsic stains from the surface of your teeth, they aren’t powerful enough to penetrate deep discoloration (intrinsic stains) beneath your protective enamel.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening solutions contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. When these compounds come in contact with stain molecules, they cause a reaction that breaks the molecular bond, making them easier to remove. This reaction results in a bleaching effect that instantly brightens discolored teeth.

Who should consider teeth whitening?

Many adults can benefit from in-office teeth whitening treatments. As you age, your teeth may appear yellow or darker than they once did. These color changes are the result of stains and enamel wear. The thicker your enamel is, the whiter your teeth appear. If enamel erodes, it can expose the darker dentin beneath it.

Many foods, drinks, and other factors can increase your risk of tooth discoloration, including:

• Genetics
• Certain medications, especially antibiotics
• Red wine
• Coffee and tea
• Curry
• Soy sauce
• High-sugar sodas and juices
• Tobacco use

After an initial consultation, the Federal Way Dental team determines whether you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening or if you may benefit from a more permanent solution, like veneers.

What can I expect from teeth whitening?

To prepare for teeth whitening, the team performs a comprehensive dental cleaning. Next, they place a lip guard into your mouth and apply a gel to your gums to avoid irritation. After applying the whitening solution on your teeth, the team waits a few minutes and carefully rinses the gel. They may repeat the process several times to attain your desired results. 

How do I care for my smile after teeth whitening?

Caring for your teeth after in-office whitening can help preserve your results for a bright, white smile. To help maintain your results, the team may recommend:

• Limiting your intake of tooth-staining foods and drinks
• Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
• Investing in home whitening kits
• Visiting the office for regular teeth cleanings

Returning to the office every six months to one year for maintenance treatments also helps remove built-up stains.

Call Federal Way Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about teeth whitening.