Smile Brighteners

The correct answer is: This is true. Many tooth whitening procedures are perfectly safe as long as they are performed correctly. Regardless of which procedure you choose, you should consult your dentist before trying anything.

The correct answer is: This is true. Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that help remove surface stains only. Unlike tooth-whitening bleaches, toothpastes do not affect stains below the tooth's surface, however.

The correct answer is: The most common side effects of tooth whitening, whether it's do-it-yourself in your bathroom or a professional job, are sensitive teeth and irritated gums. These are usually short-lived, however.

The correct answer is: This is false. Teeth whitening will not change the shade of crowns, dentures or bridges.

The correct answer is: Chair side bleaching refers to bleaching techniques that require appointments with your dentist. Usually, during these appointments, your dentist will use stronger concentrations of peroxide to whiten your teeth.

The correct answer is: Most OTC tooth whiteners use a peroxide-based bleaching agent.

The correct answer is: All of the above. You should not receive tooth whitening if you have untreated dental problems, infections, cracked or sensitive teeth or tooth decay. Pregnant women, women who are nursing, cancer patients and those with compromised immune systems should also avoid using OTC teeth whiteners.

The correct answer is: All of the above. Before, during and after using OTC tooth whiteners, you should not eat certain foods such as blueberries, or drink coffee, tea or red wine, as they can cause staining.

The correct answer is: This is false. Think twice about bleaching at the mall, as the technicians usually aren't dental care professionals. They aren't equipped to evaluate dental problems that could be made worse by bleaching.

The correct answer is: Chair side bleaching takes from 30 minutes to one hour per visit.

The correct answer is: All of the above. There are a few ways to have your teeth professionally whitened at a dentist's office. One method involves painting a gel on your teeth and positioning a laser beam directly over the gel. Another professional method involves creating a soft plastic retainer for your teeth. Once the retainer is created, you will squeeze whitening gel in it and place on top of your teeth for a certain time period, at home.

The correct answer is: It really depends on which whitening treatment you choose. Some treatments produce instant results. Others produce results ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the stain. Ask your dentist what kinds of results you should expect, and how soon you'll see them.

The correct answer is: Ideal candidates for teeth whitening treatments are those whose teeth have become yellow or discolored due to drinking coffee or red wine, smoking or just the natural aging process.

The correct answer is: All of the above. Most people will experience some sensitivity either during or after the initial treatment. Some people who have laser whitening experience sharp, shooting pains in their teeth for up to 48 hours afterwards. Your dentist may offer a special gel or mousse to apply to your teeth to help reduce the pain and sensitivity.

The correct answer is: This is true. Research has shown that teeth whitening could possibly harm an unborn baby. It is also not a good idea to whiten while nursing.

The correct answer is: Up until the age of 14 or 15, kids have larger gum pulps, so whitening is likely to cause sensitivity.

The correct answer is: The dentin, or inner layers, of teeth becomes more yellow as you age. You also begin to lose the outer enamel. Because of this, the yellowed dentin shows through the outer enamel to give the appearance of yellow teeth.

The correct answer is: Non-vital whitening refers to whitening done on a tooth that has had a root canal and is dead. The tooth needs whitening because it is stained from the inside, where the pulp of the tooth used to be.

The correct answer is: Extrinsic stains appear on the outer layer of teeth, on the enamel. They generally give a yellowish tint to your teeth and are easier to remove.

The correct answer is: All of the above. Within a few days of a professional treatment, you'll most likely see the whiteness fade somewhat. You can minimize this with a tray-and-gel system that your dentist sends you home with, and by maintaining good hygiene and avoiding staining foods.