Professional Teeth Whitening in Eugene, Oregon

Even with the best oral health care regimen, you may not be completely happy with the color of your teeth. Timothy Lee, DDS, can help you achieve whiter, brighter teeth with simple solutions that work for you. Visit the expert dental team at Mission Dental in Eugene, Oregon, to learn about their many available cosmetic dental treatments, including professional teeth whitening. 

Call (541) 238-9878 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about teeth whitening in Eugene, OR.

Understanding Tooth Discoloration: Why Do Teeth Change Color?

Most people’s teeth tend to become dull and gray as they age. People can suffer from dull, yellow, or gray teeth for many reasons, including

• Foods: Coffee, tea, wine, sodas
• Aging: Darkening teeth with a yellow, green, gray, or brown tint
• Tobacco: All forms of tobacco use

The most popular solution for this problem is a professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist. After a comprehensive examination by Dr. Lee will determine if the discoloration of your teeth stems from surface color, or from the core of the tooth.

Some teeth stains are resistant to professional whitening treatments:

• Dentin that has darkened due to trauma
• Teeth darkened due to antibiotics taken during tooth formation
• Overexposure to fluoride

As a casual observer, there is no way to distinguish between the two. Dr. Lee will identify the issues contributing to your tooth discoloration and recommend treatments that will have realistic results.

Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Three primary concerns can eliminate you from a professional whitening:

• Hypersensitivity in teeth and gums
• Deep staining
• Teeth that have become transparent with age

In the case of hypersensitivity, Dr. Lee may recommend take-home bleaching trays with a lower concentration of a less potent bleaching agent.

What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

Before anything else, you should have your teeth cleaned to prepare them for whitening. The presence of plaque or tartar could interfere with the whitening process.

If Dr. Lee detects any cracks, tooth decay, or gum disease your procedure will be delayed until these concerns are corrected.

Once the whitening begins, Dr. Lee will paint a bleaching gel onto your teeth and keep it there for 15 to 30 minutes. After that time the gel is removed, and another layer is applied. Depending on the treatment you are receiving, Dr. Lee may use a light on the gel that activated the bleaching properties.

At Mission Dental you will find a team of caring professionals who know that every patient is different. The strength of your bones and the integrity of your gums and teeth is important. Generic whitening kits do not take your past or current dental health into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an in-office teeth whitening treatment take?

An in-office power whitening session typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, providing noticeable results in a single appointment.

How often should I get my teeth professionally whitened?

The frequency of professional whitening depends on your lifestyle and desired shade. Many patients opt for touch-ups every 6-12 months, or as needed, to maintain their results.

What's the difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter kits?

Professional whitening uses stronger, dentist-supervised agents for superior, faster, and more even results, with less risk of gum irritation compared to often ill-fitting, less potent over-the-counter options.

What should I avoid eating or drinking immediately after teeth whitening?

For the first 24-48 hours after whitening, it's best to avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, and dark sauces, as your teeth are more susceptible to staining during this period.

Can teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?

When performed by a dental professional at Mission Dental, teeth whitening is safe and will not damage your tooth enamel. We use carefully controlled concentrations of whitening agents and protect your gums.

To schedule your teeth whitening appointment, call the office or book online today.