Colgate Your Partner in Oral Health

WHITENING BASICS

Photo © Paul Vosdic/Iconica/Getty ImagesWhy should I whiten my teeth?

Maybe you've always wanted a beautiful white smile. Or your teeth have yellowed over time. Or you're not happy with the staining that may result from drinking coffee, tea, or cola.

Photo © Symphonie/Iconica/Getty ImagesAm I a candidate for tooth whitening?

Almost anyone with natural permanent teeth can qualify for tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to assess your oral health and recommend the whitening method that's best for you.


Photo © Karin Dreyer/Blend Images/Getty ImagesHow does tooth whitening work?

There are many ways to whiten your teeth - from whitening toothpastes and other products that can remove surface stains, to light-activated whitening techniques in a dentist's office that can produce dramatic results.


Photo © Dan Dalton/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesHow do I know what shade my teeth are?

There's no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth colour. Nor is there an exact answer to how white your teeth can become-every person's situation is unique.


Photo © Caterina Bernardi/Riser/Getty ImagesHow white can my teeth get?

A change of just two or three shades can make a noticeable difference in almost anyone's smile. The goal should be to achieve your individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural.

Photo © Ryan McVay/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesWhat makes a smile?

Everyone loves a genuine, winning, confident smile. A smile can make your day, make everything feel all right again and put you in a brilliant mood.

Photo © Digital Vision/Getty ImagesWhat products for whiter teeth are available from the pharmacy or retailer?

You have a wide range of choices when it comes to whitening your teeth - from whitening toothpastes, special gels, to packaged whitening systems.

Photo © Digital Vision/SuperStockHow good teeth can build confidence

Feeling confident about your teeth — and subsequently your smile — is important for your overall level of confidence and shows the world that you are a genuine, warm and happy human being.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Photo © Leland Bobbe/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesImproving my smile (tooth whitening and bonding)

Some people are born with teeth that are more yellow than others. Others have teeth that yellow with age. Your natural tooth colour can also be affected by many factors.

Photo © Kay Blaschke/Stock4B/Getty ImagesAre there other alternatives for improving my smile?

Not everyone is a candidate for whitening. Bleaching is not recommended if you have tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, caps or bonding in your front teeth - the bleach will not change the colour of these materials, making them stand out...

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL

Photo © BananaStock/Jupiterimages
Information on the latest dental products and latest clinical studies for dental professionals and students from Colgate Professional.