Teeth Whitening in Seattle

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a special type of compound called peroxide, which is a bleaching agent. The most common types of peroxide are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.
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When these compounds come into contact with the organic tooth stains on your enamel, they “break” the chemical bonds that hold stains onto your teeth. This “bleaches” them away, leaving your teeth a natural, brilliant shade of white.
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Depending on your preference, you can have your teeth whitened at our office or at home. In our office, treatment typically only takes about an hour. Dr. Bean or Dr. Yoni will paint a special peroxide gel onto your teeth, and use a UV light to excite the molecules, providing powerful, fast whitening results.
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If you prefer, we can also make you a custom set of teeth whitening trays, which you can wear at home to whiten your teeth on your own schedule.

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment for most people who have healthy teeth and gums. However, if you have existing dental restorations like crowns or fillings, or if you have certain medical conditions, teeth whitening may not be recommended. Our team will assess your candidacy for teeth whitening during your consultation.

Yes, teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed by a dental professional. However, some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after the treatment. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or desensitizing toothpaste.

The longevity of teeth whitening results can vary depending on a few factors, including:

• Lifestyle Habits: Certain lifestyle habits, like smoking or consuming dark-colored foods and beverages, can cause stains to reappear more quickly.
  
• Maintenance: Proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can help to maintain the results of teeth whitening.
  
• Type of Treatment: The type of teeth whitening treatment you choose can also impact the longevity of results.
  

To maintain your results, it's important to avoid foods and beverages that are known to stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. You should also practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings. You may also consider touch-up treatments to keep your teeth looking bright and white.

Teeth whitening can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Improved Confidence: Whiter teeth can give you a brighter, more confident smile and make you feel more self-assured in social situations.
  
• Youthful Appearance: As we age, our teeth naturally become more yellow or dull. Teeth whitening can help you look younger and more vibrant.
• Improved Oral Hygiene: Whiter teeth can motivate you to take better care of your oral health and maintain a brighter, healthier smile.‍
• Professional Image: A bright, white smile can help you look more professional and put-together, which is important in many industries.
• Enhanced First Impressions: A white, bright smile is often associated with good health and vitality, making a positive first impression on those you meet.

This depends on a few factors. While in-office whitening is typically a bit more expensive, it delivers faster results, as take-home whitening trays may require several weeks of wear for the treatment to be completed.
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However, some patients prefer to whiten their teeth more gradually, as the results will be more subtle. It all comes down to your budget, personal preferences, and how quickly you would like to whiten your teeth. Dr. Yoni or Dr. Bean will discuss your goals during your consultation and help you decide which option is best for you.

Tooth sensitivity can occur during the teeth whitening process, particularly during more intense in-office treatments. However, special toothpaste and other products can be used to reduce tooth sensitivity, and it will wear off within several days of treatment.
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If you already have sensitive teeth, you may want to ask Dr. Yoni or Dr. Bean which treatment is the best for you when you schedule an appointment, to ensure that you do not suffer any discomfort after the teeth whitening process.

No. Teeth whitening can treat all external stains, but cannot fix internal stains. For example, a tooth that is grayish because of a mercury-amalgam filling, or a tooth that has been stained by an antibiotic like tetracycline cannot be improved with teeth whitening. Other cosmetic treatments, like a porcelain filling or crown, may be recommended for these issues. Consult with one of our doctors for more information.