Results of tooth whitening

Teeth whitening results

Teeth whitening is not designed to give you a blindingly white smile. Natural teeth are not pure white and so patients should not expect professional tooth whitening to enhance teeth more than is natural.  

It is important to remember that the color teeth will be after whitening treatment depends on the color teeth were before. If teeth were severely stained and discolored before treatment, patients may wish to have a repeat treatment to achieve more drastic results.

To measure whiteness, dentists use a shading chart. Your teeth will be matched to the chart prior to treatment and you and the dentist will decide on the level of whiteness that is achievable using the chosen whitening method. Most patients can expect to lighten teeth by 2 - 6 shades.

Laser tooth whitening produces the most dramatic results and some patients see results that are 10 shades lighter than before.

If you are unhappy with the results of the first tooth whitening procedure, repeat treatment can be given, however the frequency of whitening treatments recommended will depend on the health of your teeth.

To retain the results of tooth whitening after treatment, patients are advised to avoid food and drink that can stain or discolor teeth, red wine and coffee in particular, and to maintain thorough dental hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth regularly.

Tooth whitening treatments do not remove calcium spots from teeth. Calcium spots are hard to remove and dentists may recommend microabrasion to remove them.    

If patients are unhappy with the results of teeth whitening, or want a longer lasting alternative, dental veneersLumineers offer permanent and removable options to whiten teeth.  and

Related guides

• Results of tooth whitening

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Dental Crowns
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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