Whitening FAQ
Does whitening damage your enamel?
No, whitening only removes stains from your teeth. There is no long term harm to your teeth from whitening.
Can you whiten while pregnant?
There haven’t been any studies that have shown whether it is safe or not. While, the bleaching process generally stays very localized to the teeth, we generally don’t recommend it during pregnancy (especially early pregnancy) out of an abundance of caution.
Do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes have very little effect! In fact, whitening toothpastes are far more abrasive than most regular toothpastes which can cause premature wear of your enamel. We do not recommend ever using whitening toothpastes!
Do crowns and fillings whiten?
Any crowns and fillings you have will NOT lighten during the bleaching process. On the back teeth this isn’t usually a problem but any fillings or crowns on front teeth may no longer match after whitening.
Do white strips work?
Yes, you can get good results with some brands of white strips. They generally don’t work as fast as other options but if you keep at it, you will definitely see a difference.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Your teeth have tiny tubules in them that lead to center of the tooth where your nerve is at. Whitening lifts stains and other debris out of these tubules which causes temporary sensitivity to hot and cold. This is perfectly normal and goes away within a couple of weeks after stopping whitening.
How often can I whiten?
You can whiten as often as you’d like until you get your desired results.
Does it need to be re-done?
Yes, your teeth will start to accumulate stain again. Most people find that whitening for a night or two every month is enough to maintain the shade of their teeth.
Can I drink coffee, red wine, or tea while whitening?
It is best to avoid coffee, red wine, and teas during the whitening process. All three of these drinks cause significant staining and make the process much slower!
What is with laser whitening?
Studies are very mixed as to the benefit of laser whitening. A lot of new products have come out that claim they have special chemicals that are activated by the laser. Generally this type of treatment is marketed as the quickest way to whiten your teeth and has a premium cost. I’m still not entirely convinced that it is worth the premium. If you want stunning white teeth, find a dentist who will do KOR Deep Bleaching for you. This is the most foolproof method and has the results to back it up.
