--- title: "Teeth Whitening Wildwood, MO | Brighten Your Smile" description: "Achieve a whiter, brighter smile with professional teeth whitening at Town Center Dental in Wildwood, MO. Safe, effective treatments-schedule today!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The front desk at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/front-desk.DggnCQNL_1MeaQP.avif) # Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening uses a peroxide bleach to lighten stains. Yellow tones tend to respond, and gray tones may not. It does not change crowns, veneers or fillings. Sensitivity can happen and is often temporary. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums first, then explains in-office and take-home options so you can choose what fits. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Bleach does the work Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They break stains into smaller pieces so teeth look brighter. ## Results depend on the stain Yellow teeth probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and gray tones may not bleach at all. ## Sensitivity may follow Some people feel tooth sensitivity. In most cases it is temporary, according to the American Dental Association. ## Restorations stay the same Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. Being one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening offers a quick, affordable, and non-invasive way to enhance the glow of your smile. Technically, by the FDA definition of whitening, any product that is used to clean the teeth is considered a whitener. When we talk about teeth whitening, it is usually referring to the treatment of using whitening products containing bleach, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. There are a number of whitening treatments available at Town Center Dental. It is important to be aware that teeth whitening is not permanent. It can last a long time, however, if done in conjunction with lifestyle and habit changes. ## Bleaching treatments For in-office bleaching, the preferred bleach is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is fast-acting and concentrations range from nine to 40 percent. The most common bleach for at-home teeth whitening is carbamide peroxide. It is slower-acting and breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is about 30 percent as effective as hydrogen peroxide. Whichever you choose, your teeth may need multiple treatments to reach the desired shade of whiteness. ## Tooth enamel and dentin Sparkling white teeth are protected by a hard, porcelain-like translucent tissue called enamel. Enamel is a fascinating tissue, it’s the hardest tissue in the human body, harder than bone. Composed of microscopic crystalline rods, enamel protects the teeth from repeated chewing, gnashing, trauma, bacteria, and wear by sugars and acids. Dentin, the tooth’s core layer, is inherently yellow in color. In some people, it can even be a greenish-gray shade. Over many years through repeated chewing, millions of microscopic cracks occur in our enamel. These cracks, as well as the spaces between the rods, fill up with stains and debris. As a result, the teeth begin to develop a dull appearance. As we age, dentin becomes more visible through the enamel. ## Tooth discoloration causes First, it’s important we make the distinction between two types of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the outside of the tooth, they can be easily removed with teeth brushing and dental cleaning. Intrinsic stains occur on the inside of the tooth and can form as a result in trauma, exposure to minerals during teeth development, or over ingestion of fluoride. In the past, dentists have thought intrinsic stains to be too resistant to bleach treatments. Cosmetic dentistry has since evolved, and dentists can now remove deep-set intrinsic stains by sending their patients home with whitening kits. Maintaining whitening over a month or even a year can yield significant whitening results. Translucency and thickness of tooth enamel are genetic traits that can affect people’s teeth color and response to teeth whitening. Smoking and certain drugs or chemicals can also greatly affect teeth color. Habitual consumption of darkly colored foods can stain the teeth over time, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene between meals. ## Risks of teeth whitening Over half of patients who receive peroxide treatments report some level of gum irritation. This can last up to several days until the peroxide levels have subsided. Higher concentration bleaching can cause a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity. Individuals with gum recession are at higher risk of increased sensitivity. Restorations such as bonding or crowns are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. If you are considering a whitening treatment to brighten your smile, consult one of our dentists at . We can go over your past medical history, current oral health, and lifestyle habits to recommend the best plan for treatment and maintain its results. Call us at [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866) to schedule a consultation, or for more information. Four ways to whiten, side by side Option How it works Good to know Whitening toothpaste Mild abrasives scrub off surface stain Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal. Chairside bleaching at the dentist The dentist protects your gums, then applies bleach Usually needs one office visit. Custom tray for home use Your dentist makes a tray and gives you bleach and instructions Slower pace, with your dentist's guidance. Store-bought strips and kits Lower-strength bleach in strips or trays Concentration is lower than a dentist would use. Ask your dentist first. ## Will whitening work on my teeth? It depends on why your teeth are stained. The American Dental Association says whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. Yellow teeth probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening also will not be effective if discoloration comes from medicines or a tooth injury. Common causes of stain include coffee, tea and red wine, tobacco, thinning enamel that lets yellow dentin show through, a past injury to the tooth, and some medicines. See the glossary entries on [tooth discoloration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-discoloration) and [enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel). Because whitening does not change crowns, veneers or fillings, they may stand out afterward. Your dentist plans around that, often whitening first and then matching new work to the new shade. Talk to your dentist before you start. The exam also checks for cavities and gum problems that should be treated first. Our [teeth whitening guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-whitening-guide) goes further. For a full plan, see [smile makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover). ## Does whitening hurt my enamel or cause sensitivity? Whitening can cause sensitivity, and misuse can harm teeth. The American Dental Association explains that some people who use whiteners experience tooth sensitivity, which happens when the peroxide gets through the enamel to the dentin and irritates the nerve. In most cases it is temporary, and you can delay treatment and try again later. Overuse is the other risk. The ADA says overuse of whiteners can damage the tooth enamel or gums, so follow directions and talk to your dentist. If your teeth are already sensitive, or if you have receding gums, tell your dentist before you start. Your dentist may suggest a different strength, a shorter schedule, or a different product. Stop and call the office if you have sharp pain or sore gums that do not ease. Our blog posts explain whether [whitening hurts enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/does-teeth-whitening-hurt-your-enamel) and [how long sensitivity lasts](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/whitening-sensitivity-how-long-it-lasts-and-what-helps). ## Is whitening at the dentist different from whitening at home? They differ in strength, supervision and speed. The American Dental Association says chairside bleaching usually needs only one office visit, with a gel or rubber shield to protect your gums. A custom tray lets you whiten at home at a slower pace, with your dentist's guidance. Store-bought kits use lower concentrations than a dentist would use in the office, and the ADA suggests you discuss options with your dentist and look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Whitening toothpaste removes surface stain only. Which is right depends on your teeth, your gums, your schedule and your comfort. The dentist checks for cavities, gum recession and old dental work first. Ask about timing and your estimate. Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate, and the [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) explains what to bring. To begin, [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). You may also like our overview of [cosmetic dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/cosmetic-dentistry). ## Questions about teeth whitening [Read the guideTeeth Whitening: Dentist vs At-Home Options, and Why Teeth Get Sensitive](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/teeth-whitening-guide) ### Does teeth whitening hurt enamel? The American Dental Association says overuse of whiteners can damage tooth enamel or gums, so follow directions and talk to your dentist before you start. Your dentist can tell you which product and schedule suit your teeth. Mention any sensitivity first. ### How long does whitening sensitivity last? The American Dental Association says that in most cases the sensitivity is temporary. If it bothers you, you can delay treatment and try again. Tell your dentist if sensitivity lasts or gets worse, since you may need a different strength or schedule. ### Is teeth whitening better at the dentist or at home? Each has a place. Chairside bleaching at the dentist usually takes one visit with gum protection, and custom trays let you whiten at home with guidance. Store-bought kits use a lower strength. Your dentist helps you choose based on your teeth and gums. ### Will whitening change my crowns, veneers or fillings? No. The American Dental Association says whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. If you have visible dental work, ask your dentist how it will look next to whitened teeth and whether the shade can be matched. ### Does whitening toothpaste work? All toothpastes help remove surface stain with mild abrasives. The American Dental Association suggests whitening toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal. They remove surface stain and do not bleach teeth. ### What can I do to keep my teeth bright after whitening? Stains can build up again from the same causes. The American Dental Association lists coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco as major staining culprits. Brush and floss daily, keep up with cleanings, and ask your dentist about touch-ups. ## Related services - [Smile Makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover) - [Dental Veneers](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) - [Dental Bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) - [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/cosmetic-dentistry) - [Teeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning) ## Sources - [ADA MouthHealthy: Teeth whitening](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-whitening) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)