The Art of Teeth Whitening

When you think of teeth whitening it probably seems rather easy. You’re not thinking about how many shades whiter, what shades actually exist in reality, or how they even measures shades of whiteness. It’s important to realize that there is no way to know how white a person’s teeth can become. The outcome of teeth whitening varies significantly from person to person. Your teeth may be whiter than your best friends because that is as white as your best friends teeth can get. Results depend on your natural tooth color, your dental habits, why your teeth are stained, what caused the stains, and how stubborn the stains are. Read on to find out more about the art of teeth whitening

Tooth Color

When you go to your dentist and ask him or her to whiten your teeth, there is not one definitive system in the field of cosmetic dentistry, or one particular chart that determines tooth color. Your cosmetic dentist will, however, refer to a shade guide. Commonly, shade guides represent four basic shade ranges:

  • A = reddish brown
  • B = reddish yellow
  • C = gray
  • D = reddish gray

Within each shade range, there are commonly several levels of variation.  What your cosmetic dentist will likely do is match each of your teeth to a shade on the shade guide. Next, when deciding on what shade will provide the most improvement yet not make your teeth unnatural looking. Teeth whitening varies depending on:

  • Your age
  • Your dental hygiene habits
  • The severity of the stains
  • What caused the stains

You and your dentist will then discuss whether or not you are interested in take-home bleaching or in-office bleaching. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, take home teeth whitening varies in the time rquired to achieve success. It may require 30 to 365 days for optimal results. Dr. Fondriest does not perform, nor does he recommend in-office bleaching.

About Your Lake Forest Dentist:

Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.