Our Services / Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening uses FDA-approved solutions, like hydrogen peroxide gel, to minimize the appearance of tooth stains and tooth discoloration. When applied to your teeth, the gel soaks into your enamel and oxidizes the molecules inside. The oxidation process makes the molecules lighter, transforming the appearance of your smile.

Why do teeth change color?

Your teeth change color as a result of the natural aging process. Years of biting and chewing cause your enamel to wear down, making the yellow dentin beneath more visible. 

Other things that might stain your teeth include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Eating foods that stain, like berries or tomato-based sauces
• Drinking coffee, red wine, or black tea
• Oral trauma
• Tobacco use

You might also develop yellow or stained teeth if you take a prescription medication that contains tetracycline.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

At Thrive Dental, the team offers several types of teeth whitening:

Zoom! in-office teeth whitening

Zoom! in-office teeth whitening can make your teeth up to eight* shades lighter in under 60 minutes. During treatment, your provider applies hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. After the gel sits for 20 minutes, they point a light at your teeth that triggers a bleaching reaction.

Depending on the severity of your tooth discoloration, your provider might repeat these steps two or three more times.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home teeth whitening trays make it easy to brighten your smile at your own pace. Each kit contains two removable plastic mouthpieces and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide gel. You line the mouthpieces with the gel and wear them for several hours at a time, whenever is most convenient. After several weeks, your teeth look much whiter.

How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

The results of teeth whitening typically last three to six months*, but it’s possible to extend them. The team at Thrive Dental recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

It’s also a good idea to quit using tobacco and if you enjoy coffee or other dark beverages, drink them from a straw. 

To transform your smile with teeth whitening, make an appointment at Thrive Dental, by calling the office today, or click the online booking feature.

*Individual results may vary.