Improving the appearance of your smile can make a difference in your confidence and overall quality of life. At the office of 360 Dental of Mill Creek, we provide experienced care, skillfully combining the art and science of dentistry to give patients teeth that are as beautiful as they are healthy.
If your teeth appear dull, drab, discolored, or stained, don't despair. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, you too can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. With a teeth whitening procedure from our office, we can quickly and dramatically lighten and brighten your smile.
You can rest assured your smile in the best of hands with us. We use the latest generations of professional strength teeth whitening systems to transform the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile that's several shades lighter, brighter, and more vibrant than before your procedure.
As dedicated providers of care, our goals are to help every patient maintain good oral health and wear their best-looking smile. We tailor treatment to address individual needs and meet every patient's expectations of care.
After examining your smile and determining if a teeth whitening procedure is suitable for you, we'll recommend the best in-office procedure or a take-home whitening system to achieve your cosmetic goals.
How white your teeth look depends on how they reflected and scattered light. Although external staining is typically due to certain foods, beverages, or tobacco use, internal tooth discoloration is usually the result of genetics, certain medications, tooth decay, restorations, and trauma. Aging also plays a significant role in tooth color. Over time, as the outer layer of enamel thins, the yellow inner layer of dentin becomes more apparent.
Teeth whitening or bleaching simply refers to any process that will make the teeth appear whiter. Today, there's an abundance of choices in teeth whitening products and procedures available to you. Options run the gamut from over-the-counter toothpastes, rinses, strips, or gels to professionally supervised in-office treatments and customized take-home kits.
With so many choices in care, how do you know which one to select? Despite the many over-the-counter products on the market today, it's essential to keep in mind that the premiere teeth whitening systems are the professional-strength ones provided by the dentist. Not only do these whitening systems offer a higher concentration of whitening components than the ones available in stores or online, but they also get delivered to the teeth in the safest, most effective, and well-supervised way.
While you may be tempted to purchase a kit in the drugstore or online, be careful. Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can damage the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth. Even though many work when healthy teeth and gums are present, they may be ineffective or problematic when sensitive teeth, exposed roots, cavities, broken fillings, cracked teeth, or loose dental work exist.
Whitening products typically fall into one of two of the following categories:
Under the category of peroxide containing bleaching agents, most whitening systems contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. While both can readily permeate the enamel to achieve pleasing results, the concentration of either one of these ingredients determines the strength, effectiveness, and safety level of the whitening system.
Teeth whitening systems rely on a chemical reaction between the bleaching agent and the discolored molecules. As the latter get oxidized, the stains and discoloration get broken up and erased.
At the office of 360 Dental of Mill Creek, we combine the art and science of dentistry to create beautiful and healthy smiles. We value your investment and provide treatment that supports good oral health while fulfilling your smile goals and expectations of care. We offer a range of advanced cosmetic dental services and will help you choose the option that's right for your smile.
While teeth whitening procedures in most cases produce highly satisfying results, not every type of stain or discoloration responds well to one. First of all, a teeth whitening procedure only works on natural teeth and does not change or improve the color of dental fillings, crowns, or bridges. It should also be mentioned that just as individuals with yellow tones to their teeth typically respond well to a teeth whitening, brown and grayish teeth can respond less well and may require more intensive whitening regimens or alternative cosmetic treatments. Furthermore, a teeth whitening procedure may not be recommended in the presence of sensitive teeth, worn enamel, and significant gum disease.
You can trust us to take a close look at your smile and advise you if a teeth whitening is right for you, or if another cosmetic procedure offers healthier and better results.
Watch what you eat and drink
Maximizing the benefits of a teeth whitening procedure involves being mindful of what you eat and drink. This guideline is especially true for the first 48 hours following an in-office treatment. The reason is the ultra-thin, membranous protective layer of the tooth that was temporarily removed as a result of the whitening procedure takes a couple of days to reestablish itself.
You can protect the results by avoiding deeply colored foods and beverages that can stain your teeth!
Refrain from drinking coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks, and teas. Stay away from fruits like berries and grapes, and chocolate products as well as other foods that are darkly colored.
Feel free to eat and drink foods with a low potential to stain your teeth!
Beverages such as water, milk, white wine, and clear soft drinks are okay. Eating fruits such as a banana or peeled apple are fine. Cheeses, as well as white foods like chicken, fish, pasta, oatmeal, potatoes, and bread prepared without red sauces or dressings, are acceptable as well.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking stains and yellows your teeth under the best of circumstances. If you are a smoker and have just had your teeth whitened, it's a good idea to refraining from the habit for at least the first couple of days. Of course, smoking less frequently after that or quitting the habit altogether not only benefits the appearance of your smile but also your oral health and overall well-being.
Some sensitivity is normal.
You may experience some sensitivity to cold and hot for a couple of days. This discomfort typically subsides. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication just as you would for a headache. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may also be helpful.
Treatment Results
While teeth whitening procedures provide satisfying outcomes of care, it's essential to keep in mind that results vary from patient to patient. Both short-term and long-term results are influenced by the original shade of the tooth, diet, and oral habits.
Also, as explained before treatment, teeth whitening procedures do not change the color of existing fillings, crowns, bridgework, or dental bonding. If this issue presents an aesthetic concern, we can discuss replacing a restoration.
Keeping your smile bright
Maintaining the results of treatment also rely upon proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. We'll also discuss a take-home whitening system if any periodic touch-ups are indicated following the procedure or down the road.
At the office of 360 Dental of Mill Creek, we're dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your teeth whitening procedure, feel free to contact our office.
Tooth discoloration generally falls into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains affect the outer enamel and are commonly caused by foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and certain sauces, as well as tobacco use. Intrinsic discoloration originates within the tooth and can result from aging, genetics, certain medications, dental trauma, or previous dental work. Understanding the source of discoloration helps determine which whitening approach will be most effective.
Enamel naturally thins with age, making the underlying dentin more visible and altering overall tooth color. Some medical conditions and medications taken during tooth development can cause deeper, more resistant staining. Restorations like crowns and fillings do not whiten, which can affect overall uniformity after treatment. A clinical exam is the best way to identify the type of discoloration and plan appropriate care.
Professional teeth whitening relies on peroxide-based bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel to break apart colored molecules. The chemical oxidation process alters the structure of stain molecules so they reflect light differently and appear lighter. Concentration and application method determine the speed and degree of whitening, and professional supervision helps balance effectiveness with safety. Dentists select systems and concentrations appropriate for each patient to minimize complications.
Whitening systems can be applied in-office for rapid results or delivered via custom trays for gradual at-home treatment. In-office procedures often use higher concentrations and may include activation methods to accelerate the reaction, while take-home systems emphasize controlled, longer-term exposure. Both approaches aim to achieve a more even, aesthetically pleasing shade while protecting enamel and soft tissues. Pre-treatment evaluation ensures underlying issues are addressed before bleaching begins.
In-office whitening is performed under direct dental supervision and usually uses higher-concentration bleaching agents to deliver faster, more noticeable results in a single visit or a few short sessions. This approach is ideal for patients seeking quick improvements or for those whose discoloration responds well to professional-strength formulas. The dentist monitors soft tissues, applies protective barriers, and can manage sensitivity immediately if it occurs. Because the treatment is controlled, clinicians can tailor exposure times to each patient's response.
Take-home whitening involves custom-made trays and lower-concentration gels that patients use at home for a specified daily duration over several days or weeks. This method offers greater convenience and gradual whitening, which can be gentler for people prone to sensitivity. Results take longer to achieve but are easier to maintain with occasional touch-ups. Dentally supervised take-home systems offer a safer alternative to over-the-counter kits by providing custom fit and professional guidance.
Both options require an initial dental evaluation to confirm suitability and to determine whether restorations or dental conditions need attention before treatment. The dentist will recommend the option that best matches your goals, lifestyle, and oral health. Combining in-office and take-home protocols is sometimes recommended to maximize immediacy and longevity of results.
When performed under professional supervision, teeth whitening is considered safe for most people and is designed to minimize risk to enamel and gum tissue. Dentists use products formulated for dental use and apply protective measures, such as gingival barriers and precise application techniques, to reduce soft tissue irritation. The concentration and duration of bleaching agents are selected based on an individual assessment to limit adverse effects. A pre-treatment examination also helps identify issues that should be treated before whitening.
Mild, temporary tooth sensitivity and occasional gum irritation are the most common side effects and usually resolve within days after treatment. Products and protocols exist to reduce sensitivity, including desensitizing toothpastes and topical agents applied before or after whitening. Overuse of nonprofessional products or improper application can increase the risk of harm, so supervised care is recommended for optimal safety and results. If unexpected symptoms persist, contacting the dental office is advised for evaluation and management.
Teeth whitening only affects natural tooth structure and does not change the color of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, fillings, or bridgework. Because restorations are made from materials that do not respond to bleaching agents, they can become mismatched with surrounding natural teeth after whitening. It is important to discuss existing restorations with the dentist so they can assess how whitening will affect overall appearance and plan for any restorative adjustments if needed.
If whitening is expected to alter shade relationships, the dentist can recommend strategies such as whitening natural teeth first and then replacing or adjusting restorations to achieve a harmonious color match. This staged approach helps ensure a consistent and natural-looking smile. A thorough cosmetic consultation will outline realistic expectations and appropriate sequencing of treatments to address both natural teeth and restorations.
During a professional whitening appointment, the dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth, protect soft tissues, and apply the whitening agent according to the chosen protocol. In-office sessions typically last an hour and may include multiple short applications and brief rests to monitor comfort and response. You may experience mild tingling or sensitivity during the process, which can be managed by adjusting application time or using desensitizing measures. The clinician will review aftercare steps before you leave.
After treatment it is common to notice increased sensitivity for a short period and to be advised to avoid staining foods and beverages for at least 48 hours. The practice of refraining from dark-colored items and tobacco during this window helps reduce re-staining while the tooth surface reestablishes its protective layer. The dentist may recommend specific products for sensitivity and a maintenance plan tailored to your lifestyle. Follow-up visits or touch-ups can be scheduled as needed to sustain results.
To minimize post-whitening sensitivity, dentists often recommend using desensitizing toothpaste containing compounds such as potassium nitrate or fluoride in the days before and after treatment. These products help calm nerve responses and strengthen enamel temporarily, reducing discomfort from thermal or tactile stimuli. Avoiding very hot and very cold foods and beverages immediately after the procedure can also limit sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used as directed for short-term relief if discomfort occurs.
Professional options such as topical fluoride varnishes or in-office desensitizing applications are available for people who experience more pronounced sensitivity. Customizing the whitening protocol—by lowering concentration or shortening exposure times—can also reduce sensitivity while still producing improvement. Always follow the dentist’s recommendations and report persistent or severe pain so it can be evaluated and managed promptly.
Whitening results vary by individual and depend on factors such as initial tooth shade, diet, oral hygiene, and tobacco use. Many people notice a meaningful improvement that can last months to a few years, but gradual re-staining is common with regular consumption of staining foods and beverages. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, helps slow down re-discoloration and preserves results longer.
Periodic touch-ups with a take-home tray or occasional in-office maintenance can refresh shade as needed and are often recommended for long-term upkeep. Being mindful of dietary choices, rinsing with water after consuming staining items, and avoiding tobacco all contribute to longer-lasting whiteness. The dentist can create a personalized maintenance schedule based on your habits and cosmetic goals to help sustain the outcome.
Teeth whitening is not appropriate for everyone; candidates should have healthy teeth and gums before beginning any bleaching procedure. People with active tooth decay, significant gum disease, extensive enamel erosion, or loose restorations should address those conditions first, as whitening could aggravate existing problems. Children and adolescents whose teeth are still developing, as well as pregnant or nursing individuals, are generally advised to postpone elective whitening until after development or the pregnancy period.
Certain intrinsic stains, such as those caused by some medications or deep-seated discoloration, may respond poorly to bleaching alone and may require alternative cosmetic solutions. The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, review medical and dental history, and recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan tailored to your situation. In some cases, restorative or veneering options may provide a better aesthetic outcome than bleaching.
Choosing a dental office ensures that whitening is performed with professional-grade products and clinical oversight to maximize safety and effectiveness. Dental teams evaluate oral health, identify contraindications, and select the most appropriate concentration and delivery method for each patient, reducing the risk of complications. A dental setting also allows for immediate management of sensitivity or soft tissue irritation and offers access to adjunctive measures that support comfort and results.
At the office of 360 Dental of Mill Creek, we combine advanced technology and individualized treatment planning to help patients achieve predictable, natural-looking improvements in tooth color. Our team provides clinical guidance on aftercare and maintenance so results last longer while protecting oral health. If you are considering whitening, a consultation with a dentist will clarify expectations and determine the best path forward for your smile.
