Over time, our teeth enamel absorbs colored residue from the food and beverages we consume. This leads to “staining” of the enamel, as well as discoloration, which may result in teeth having a yellow or brown appearance. And, contrary to popular opinion, coffee, tea, and cigarette smoke are not the only culprits when it comes to teeth stains; any dark-colored food or beverage may cause discoloration. This includes dark colas, like Coke, and even healthy foods, such as berries, tomato sauce, and dark fruit juices. 

Teeth whitening works by utilizing the powerful effects of various peroxides, including hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied to the teeth, the volatile oxygen molecules contained within these peroxides break down the chemical bonds that adhere stains to the tooth’s enamel, effectively removing them and restoring the tooth’s natural appearance. 

The Professional Teeth Whitening Process

At Gonzales Dental, we offer safe, convenient, and affordable teeth whitening for our patients in Gonzales and the surrounding areas. 

Here’s how the process works: 

• First, we’ll take an impression of your teeth. This impression is then used to create a customized “stent,” or mouthguard, that you’ll use to keep the whitening agent against your teeth for the specified period of time.
• After about a day or two, we’ll contact you to let you know that your stents are available for pickup at our office. We will provide you with both the stents and the specialized whitening agent that you will place into the stents. 
• You will be instructed on how to use the stents and bleaching agent at home whenever it is convenient for you. Most often, you only need to wear the stents with the bleaching agent inside for about three to four hours for one or two weeks. 

Our professional teeth whitening services are safe and effective for patients of all ages and can be used to treat everything from minor stains to significant discoloration, spots, and “dullness.” In severe cases of tooth discoloration, we may recommend crowns or veneers. However, teeth whitening is generally considered a near-permanent solution and because it is so affordable, it is almost always recommended as a first option for correcting stains and discoloration.