Tooth Whitening FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and short answers about Tooth Whitening.

If you don't find the information you are looking for, please take a moment to contact Dr. Kamel and ask him your question. He may be able to provide you with a short answer or point you to a helpful web site. Remember that you can always get detailed and personalized answers to all your questions by arranging for a private consultation. Use the Contact Us form or call the office today at 613.599.2222.

Questions & Answers

1. Is 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. Today there are over 70 such products available.

2. How do teeth become stained in the first place?

There are two major types of stain: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains result from a change in the internal colour of the tooth caused by agents such as fluorosis, the antibiotic tetracycline, 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.

3. How do whitening products work?

Whiteners contain carbamide, peroxide, carbapol, and water. These ingredients release 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.

4. Can problems occur with whitening?

Many over-the-counter products don't have enough water in them, which leads to premature dehydration of the tooth and increased sensitivity.

Problems can also result when whitening does not take place under dental supervision. For example, if you allow the whitening agent to sit on a portion of the tooth called the dentin, containing 40,000 nerve endings per cubic millimetre, the tooth will become more sensitive. In addition, if you ingest the whitening gel, it can lead to digestive problems. If you taste whitening agent flavouring, this is actually a warning that you are ingesting the product.

5. What are the advantages of having a dentist supervise the whitening of my teeth?

There are many advantages. For example, he or she will determine the cause of the stain and select the safest treatment, bearing in mind any cavities or other problems that could complicate the whitening process. Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach of over-the-counter products, your dentist will ensure that the whitening product is applied using a tray that is customized for your teeth. This customized delivery prevents sensitivity as well as ingestion of the chemicals in the whitening gel.

In addition, your dentist will choose the optimum length of time for your treatment so you avoid over-whitening, which can change the composition of the teeth and lead to their breakdown. Finally, certain parts of your teeth may whiten more or less than you hoped — only your dentist can give you a realistic idea of what to expect.