Frequently Asked Questions

Teeth whitening was discovered about eighty years ago as a side effect of a product that decreased inflammation and bleeding after gum surgery. In 1989, the American Dental Association approved the first whitening product for consumers.

Venus White contains carbamide peroxide which releases oxygen molecules to break up the chains of protein that comprise tooth stains. As a result, light travels through the dispersed protein links and makes the teeth look whiter.

Carbamide peroxide is an oxidizing agent commonly used in cosmetic dentistry. The whitening obtained is proportional to the length of time the peroxide is applied to the tooth and the concentration used.

There are two major types of stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains result from a change in the internal color of the tooth caused by agents such as fluorosis, certain medications or from trauma to the tooth. Extrinsic stains result from repeated exposure to substances such as coffee, tea and cigarettes, and affect only the surface of the tooth. Our teeth also become more susceptible to staining as we age.

Results vary. Some teeth whiten dramatically in just a few days, while others can take a few months. The majority of people whiten within 2-3 weeks. The more yellow versus gray color you have in your teeth, the better the whitening. Grey enamel similar to that of Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining is more difficult to whiten and can take a few months to achieve a result.

Generally, color begins to fade slightly immediately after whitening, then remains stable for 6 months to a year (sometimes longer). It is recommended that you maintain your results by touching up your smile every 4-6 months with 1 or 2 applications.

You will need to maintain your teeth to keep their brightness and shine. Visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding foods and activities that can darken teeth (like coffee, alcohol, sugars and smoking) will help keep your teeth white and healthy. Consistently using Venus White as recommended will also help keep your smile bright and beautiful.

Venus White will only work on natural tooth structure. This means that all dental work (including but not limited to tooth-colored fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges) will NOT whiten. If you have these kinds of dental work, they would need to be replaced to match the newly whitened teeth.

All whitening gel causes some degree of tooth sensitivity that can cause discomfort. This is normal and an expected side effect. Venus White contains potassium nitrate as a mild desensitizing agent which helps to minimize post-bleaching sensitivity. If you experience any sensitivity, stop using Venus White for a few days and start again when the sensitivity fades.

In some cases (like when the whitening gel is left on for too long), irreversible sensitivity can occur. Only use Venus White under the supervision of your dentist.

To date, no studies have been done to determine whether it's harmful or not. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you do not use Venus White to whiten your teeth while pregnant or nursing.

Your dentist will determine the cause of the stain and select the safest treatment, bearing in mind any cavities or other problems that could complicate the whitening process. Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach of over-the-counter products, your dentist will ensure that the whitening product is applied using a tray that is customized for your teeth. This customized delivery prevents sensitivity as well as ingestion of the chemicals in the whitening gel.

In addition, your dentist will choose the optimum length of time for your treatment so you avoid over-whitening, which can change the composition of the teeth and lead to their breakdown. Finally, certain parts of your teeth may whiten more or less than you hoped — only your dentist can give you a realistic idea of what to expect.