Our Services / Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening uses FDA-approved bleaching solutions to remove stains from the surface of your teeth. 

There are various teeth whitening treatments available, but almost all use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their main ingredients. When applied to your teeth, these chemicals soak into the enamel and oxidize the dark molecules within.

The oxidation process lightens your teeth, making your smile appear brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. 

Why do teeth change colors?

Teeth change colors for various reasons, but discoloration often occurs due to the natural aging process. Over the years, your tooth enamel wears down, revealing more of the yellow dentin underneath.

You might also experience stained or discolored teeth due to:

• Eating foods that stain, like berries and tomato-based sauces
• Drinking beverages like coffee, red wine, and cola
• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Oral trauma

You might also have yellow or brown teeth if you take prescription medication that contains tetracycline.

What does teeth whitening involve?

At Tukwila Dental Smiles, the team provides in-office chairside teeth whitening to adults and teenagers.

Your provider covers your gums and tongue with a protective dam. Then, they carefully apply the whitening solution to each of your teeth.

Your provider lets the whitening solution sit for 20 minutes, then points a special light at your teeth, triggering a whitening reaction. Your provider follows these steps several more times until you achieve the desired shade of white. 

Before you leave, your dentist provides at-home care instructions.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and usually well-tolerated. In the first day or two after treatment, you might experience some gum or tongue sensitivity, but that should subside quickly. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, contact the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles right away.  

Are the results of teeth whitening permanent?

The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they typically last four to six months*. 

To extend the results of your whitening treatment, the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, drinking dark beverages from a straw, and visiting the practice every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

If you want a brighter, whiter smile, make a teeth whitening appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today. 

*Individual results may vary.