Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is tooth whitening a new procedure?
Tooth 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.
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How does Venus White work?
Venus White teeth whitening products contain 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.
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What is carbamide and hydrogen peroxide?
Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide are oxidizing agents commonly encountered in cosmetic
dentistry, where they are used to bleach teeth. The bleaching obtained is proportional
to the length of time the peroxide is applied to the tooth and the concentration
used.
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How do teeth become stained?
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.
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How long will it take for teeth to become their whitest?
Results vary. Some teeth whiten dramatically in just a few days, while others can
take a few months. The majority of people whiten within a couple weeks. The more
yellow versus gray color you have in your teeth, typically the better the bleaching
result. Grey enamel similar to that of Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining is more
difficult to bleach and can take several months to achieve a result.
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Will my teeth stay bleached forever?
Generally, color begins to fade slightly immediately after bleaching, 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.
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 products as recommended will also help keep your
smile bright and beautiful.
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Will bleaching gel whiten my veneers, caps (crowns) and bonding?
Venus White teeth whitening products will only work on natural tooth structure.
This means that all dental work (including but not limited to bonding, veneers,
crowns, and bridges) will NOT bleach or whiten. If you have these kinds of dental
work, they would need to be replaced to match the newly whitened teeth.
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What are the side effects of tooth whitening?
All bleaching gel causes some degree of tooth sensitivity that can cause discomfort.
This is normal and an expected side effect. If you experience any sensitivity, stop
using Venus White for a few days and start again when the sensitivity fades.
If sensitivity persists, contact your dentist.
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Can problems occur with whitening?
In some cases (like when the bleach is left on for too long), irreversible sensitivity
can occur. Only use Venus White teeth whitening products under the supervision of
your dentist.
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Why is it not recommended to bleach your teeth while pregnant or
nursing?
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 teeth whitening
products to bleach your teeth while pregnant or nursing.
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