Teeth Whitening

Bright and attractive smiles never fail to gain attention and create the perfect first impression. You look more youthful and healthy when your teeth are white and in good shape. This is one of the reasons why many people choose a tooth whitening procedure when they are preparing for an upcoming event. The cosmetic process is effective in clearing surface stains and brightening teeth by a few shades. The results are clearly visible soon after the procedure is complete, and patients are often delighted to see the transformation in their smile. If you have been planning to brighten yellow teeth, visit our office for a cosmetic consultation. Tooth whitening at our Cary office is safe and effective in enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Why wait? Call us to make an appointment.

The Colour of Teeth – What difference does it make?

Our teeth are made up of enamel, dentine and pulp. Enamel is the outermost layer and is made largely of minerals. It is one of the hardest substances in the body, but it is also porous and can attract surface stains. The natural colour of teeth can be broadly classified into four categories: reddish brown, reddish yellow, grey and reddish grey. Tooth colour varies from person to person depending on lifestyle, diet, environmental factors, genetics and age. Certain drinks, habits and medications can stain the teeth significantly, making them look unhealthy and less attractive. The following are some common causes of staining and discolouration:

• Consumption of cola, wine and coffee
• Smoking
• Higher fluoride intake during childhood
• An injury to the tooth that has affected the pulp
• Enamel wear

A dentist will examine the teeth and identify the cause of discolouration before proceeding with tooth whitening. While surface stains can be cleared through standard whitening procedures, intrinsic stains may require additional steps or alternative cosmetic options.

Tooth Whitening at Smiles of Cary

Anyone with healthy teeth and gums can undergo a tooth whitening procedure. If you have any restorations in your mouth, be sure to inform the dentist during your visit, as whitening works only on natural teeth and not on artificial materials. Our dentist may recommend a professional clean before whitening. During a professional clean, plaque and tartar are removed from the oral cavity, helping reduce the risk of infection and supporting better whitening results. We take photos of your teeth and measure their current shade using a shade scale.

The whitening process typically begins with the application of a protective gel to the gums. Whitening agents commonly contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These peroxides penetrate the porous enamel and oxidise the pigments that cause staining. The whitening gel is applied to the tooth surfaces, and a bright light may be used to help accelerate the process. The entire procedure may take about one hour. After whitening, we measure the shade again to record the change. Patients are advised on how to care for their brighter teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following a healthy lifestyle can help the results last longer.