Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What will happen to my white fillings, crowns, and/or veneers?

    Nothing. They will not whiten. These man-made materials stay the same color after bleaching. Generally, after whitening, they should be fairly close to the color of your whitened teeth. 

  2. Can’t I just use whitening toothpaste?

    No. They are bad for your enamel. Whitening toothpastes use abrasives that remove surface stains but don’t change the color of your teeth much — and they scrub off surface enamel over time. 

  3. How long will the teeth stay whitened?

    If you avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, and cola, whitening should last about a year. Touch-ups are recommended every six months to a year.

  4. Can fluorosis-stained teeth be whitened?

    Fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride as a child) may or may not whiten satisfactorily. Some people see remarkable improvement; others see minimal change. Everyone’s teeth are different, so the outcome varies. 

  5. I have sensitive teeth, can I have them whitened?

    Some minor gum irritation may occur during the process, but it usually subsides soon after treatment. Vitamin E/Aloe is applied to protect gums. The peroxide is painted on carefully to avoid gum contact. 

  6. Why are my gums white after the process?

    This is called “blanching” — it happens when peroxide gets on the gums during whitening. Gums generally return to normal color within a couple of hours and it’s usually not an issue. 

  7. I love my cola, coffee, and tea. What can I do?

    Wait to brush your teeth after having morning coffee (brushing opens tooth pores). Use a straw for staining beverages to minimize contact with your front teeth and help maintain whiteness longer. 

  8. How often can I whiten my teeth?

    Not more often than every 3–6 months. With careful habits (like drinking from straws), you may only need it about once a year. 

  9. I want teeth as white as movie stars — will this work?

    No. The extremely white teeth seen on screen are veneers. Dentists can use stronger peroxide (at much higher cost), but this service won’t deliver the “Chiclets” look. 

  10. Can’t I just use a home whitening kit?

    Yes, but home kits require daily use for a week or more, for hours at a time. Professional whitening can be done in about an hour or less. 

  11. Can I whiten my teeth during pregnancy or while nursing?

    No. It’s suggested to wait until after childbirth and/or nursing. 

  12. Can’t I just get 46% Carbamide Peroxide to quickly whiten my teeth at home?

    Although it sounds effective, there’s a 3:1 relationship: 16% Hydrogen Peroxide equals 48% Carbamide Peroxide. Home tray use means leaving it in your mouth for hours over several days, which often leads to sensitivity. 

  13. Will my teeth be more sensitive after whitening?

    No — within a day or two teeth return to normal sensitivity. 

  14. Is the process of teeth whitening bad for my tooth enamel?

    No. Whitening doesn’t remove enamel; it works likened to “bleach in a laundry load” — it just makes teeth whiter. 

  15. I haven’t seen my dentist in years — am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

    Yes, no, or maybe. It’s recommended to get a dental check-up first so a professional dentist can assess your oral health before treatment. 

  16. Are whitening products more effective on certain stain colors?

    Yes. Yellowish teeth respond well; brownish respond less; grayish or purple-stained teeth may not respond at all. Blue-gray staining (e.g., from tetracycline) is harder to lighten and may require extra visits or veneers. Dark stains may be better addressed with other options.