1. What causes teeth to become discolored?
Staining, aging, or chemical damage can cause tooth enamel to become discolored. Some of the more common causes of teeth staining are medications (such as Tetracycline), coffee, tea, cigarettes and cola drinks.

There are other factors that can also affect the color of an individual's teeth. One factor is genetics -- some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Another factor is disease. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.

2. What are the tooth whitening procedures available?
There are two basic categories of tooth whitening procedures -- in-office and at-home.

In-Office techniques typically take just one office visit, after which there will be a very dramatic, sudden change of color.

The two most common in-office techniques are Zoom and laser bleaching. Both involve a translucent bleaching gel which is applied to the teeth, after which a special activating light is used. Crystals in the gel absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the tooth enamel, which lightens the color of the teeth.

The procedure typically takes about two hours, although times may vary based on the degree of discoloration you may have.

The In-Home technique involves the creation of a custom-fitted tray. A small amount of bleaching gel -- available only through a cosmetic dentist -- is then placed in the tray and worn for a brief amount of time during the day. Sometimes the tray is worn for a few hours each day, other times it is worn during the night, while you sleep.

This is a more gradual process than in-office procedures, with results usually finalizing in about one to two weeks. But whatever whitening procedure is best for you; a cosmetic dentist can analyze your needs and help you achieve the smile you desire.

3. Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Yes. Professional whitening, done under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist, produces results which are tailored towards the individual patient.

Professional whitening can be done both in the dentist's office and at home. The teeth are whitened according to specific desires, and use a highly concentrated whitening process which creates dramatic results. The in-home whitening products are not available over-the-counter, and are supervised for optimal results. Over-the-counter products will not produce the level of whitening or length of results that our treatment provides.

Additionally, a cosmetic dentist will create molds of your teeth, so you will have applicator trays designed specifically for your mouth. This results in whitening which is much more even and natural-looking than over-the-counter treatments.

4. How white can teeth become?
The goal is to achieve a brighter smile without forsaking a natural look. Typically, your front teeth are the whitest, your eye teeth are the darkest, and molars are a shade between the two. How white your teeth will become varies depending upon their current condition, structure and the type of procedure implemented.

Only a qualified cosmetic dentist can help you determine which procedure -- or combination of procedures -- will work best for you.

Over-the-counter products tend to whiten teeth to the point where they become unnatural looking. Also, over-the-counter products can increase tooth sensitivity. The preferred method of whitening involves a trained cosmetic dentist, who not only supervises the tooth health during the procedure but can also adjust the whitening process to achieve the most natural look possible.

5. How long will it last?
Generally, your teeth will be whitest immediately after bleaching, and will slowly fade over the course of about a year. After that, a visit to your dentist for maintenance -- to touch up your smile -- is recommended about once every six months, although individual results may vary greatly.

6. How much does it cost?
The standard fee for teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures is about $500 in most cases. Costs vary depending upon the type of whitening treatment you undergo. Laser teeth whitening is typically $1000 or above.