Years of drinking coffee, tea and wine or smoking will inevitably lead to teeth discoloration. Some medications or your genetics can also contribute to accelerated or more noticeable tooth discoloration in some people.

Professional Strength

Dentists have access to professional-grade whitening agents that are significantly stronger than those found in at-home, DIY teeth whitening kits. Professional whitening always results in more noticeable, safer results in less time.

Customized Treatment

Dentists can customize the strength and application of the whitening treatment based on your specific needs and sensitivities. They can adjust the treatment to minimize any discomfort or sensitivity you might experience during and after the procedure.

Comprehensive Oral Check

Before the whitening procedure, a dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to ensure you're a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. Some dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, may need to be addressed before whitening to prevent discomfort or aggravating teeth or gum problems.

Safety

Dentists are trained professionals who know how to apply the treatment correctly and safely. They will carefully perform the procedure to protect your gums and mouth from the whitening agents, which can cause irritation if not applied properly.

Long-Lasting Results

Results from professional teeth whitening treatments are generally more consistent and longer-lasting than those from at-home teeth whitening kits.

Guidance and Aftercare

A dentist can provide personalized advice on how to maintain the results and can also help manage any side effects of teeth whitening treatments, such as tooth sensitivity.

If you want whiter teeth and have relatively healthy teeth and gums without any serious or persistent issues, you’re probably a good candidate for teeth whitening. Patients with existing oral health issues should have them treated prior to undergoing teeth whitening, as the procedure can potentially aggravate some teeth and gum issues. 

The whitening agents need to penetrate the enamel of your teeth and reach the dentin layer to eliminate discoloration. Although the treatment itself generally isn’t painful, professional teeth whitening can occasionally cause some degree of temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after the procedure. In most cases, the sensitivity is minor – and it should always be temporary.



There are some special toothpastes designed to help manage this type of sensitivity. Each patient also has a slightly different sensitivity to pain or will experience different levels of discomfort. If you’re concerned about sensitivity after teeth whitening, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice on post-whitening care. 

No, it generally won’t affect these artificial materials. However, there is a risk that some teeth whitening procedures can weaken the bond between enamel and various composite restorative dental devices, like crowns or veneers. Always make sure your dentist is aware of your existing oral health and past restorative and cosmetic dental treatments before undergoing teeth whitening. Having some veneers or crowns will usually not prevent you from undergoing teeth whitening, but it may change your dentist’s approach to the procedure. 

Don’t settle for questionable at-home teeth whitening kits that may not be effective and could even pose oral health risks if used improperly. Contact the teeth whitening experts at St. Hope Healthcare for competitively priced, highly effective teeth whitening treatments.



Schedule your appointment by calling (713) 778-1300 or booking an appointment online.