Why teeth darken
Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco stain the enamel from the outside. Age darkens teeth from the inside, as the enamel thins and the yellower dentin underneath starts to show through. Most people have some of both.
What whitening does
The gel releases peroxide, which works into the enamel and breaks down the compounds that are staining it. It lightens natural tooth. It does not change the color of a crown, a veneer or a white filling, so anything like that showing in your smile is worth reviewing first.
Why have it done here
The concentration used in a dental office is higher than anything sold over the counter, and the gums are protected while it works. That makes the result faster and more even than a tray you fit yourself at home.
Sensitivity
Some people get short bursts of cold sensitivity for a day or two afterward, and it settles on its own. Tell us beforehand if your teeth are already sensitive, because the strength and the timing can be adjusted.
