Teeth Whitening
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedures. To discuss teeth whitening please give us a call so we can arrange an appointment to discuss the procedure and options available. There are two methods to choose from:
- In-Office Whitening
- At-Home Whitening
In-Office Tooth Whitening
If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter, our In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to significantly whiten your teeth in a little over an hour. A hydrogen peroxide gel is placed on the teeth after the oral soft tissue has been isolated protected. As the hydrogen peroxide catalyst/base formulation is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and removes surface organic staining materials that has caused discoloration. The result yields whiter teeth while preserving the teeth’s primary structure. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. In addition to the In-Office Whitening you will also be provided with a complete At-Home Whitening system which includes custom bleach/whitening trays, bleaching material, and instructions for specific applications.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
After impressions are made, custom clear bleach trays will be processed and will be ready for you usually within one day. We will provide you with bleaching material and instructions on how to whiten your teeth at home. Typically the bleach trays will be worn for approximately 2 hours per session and noticeable changes may be apparent after the first application without altering primary tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. The customary amount of times a patient uses the splints/trays is approximately 6-10 applications after which significant whitening will occur. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. At-Home whitening is very effective and can achieve the same results as In-Office whitening, it just takes a little longer.
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile.
Key Benefits of Teeth whitening
- Corrects brown, yellow and mottled tooth staining.
- Works on people of all ages.
- Is a near permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring teeth to their original brightness or creating a newly desired shade or color.
Teeth Bleaching Considerations
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products have been proven to be ineffective and can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Whitening or bleaching is a process using a concentrated percentage of hydrogen peroxide or it’s derivative carbamide peroxide that is suspended in gel that lightens discolored enamel.
What can cause teeth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or wine. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. Some existing developmental and environmental conditions may be incapable of becoming whiter or lighter, therefore prior to any whitening procedure a thorough examination will be performed to determine the proper course of treatment.
Should I have my teeth cleaned prior to whitening?
Yes! This is highly recommended. By removing any existing stains, plaque, and calculus from the teeth the whitening material is significantly more effective. In some instances the bacterial colonization attached to the teeth may actually neutralize the whitening gel causing it to be completely ineffective.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, our office can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, most dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
Do the results last a long time?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing, and rinsing at least twice daily. Occasionally, a touch-up using the At-Home system may be needed, and by all accounts, many patients never touch-up whereas some patients touch-up 1-3 times a year. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.
Is there a difference between over-the-counter whiteners and professional whiteners?
Yes! Consulting our office is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades and some frankly don’t work at all. Most likely someone using what is available over-the-counter will become discouraged because they did not get the results they wanted and/or spent too much money on something that didn’t work. Furthermore, most if not all of the products available over-the-counter cannot produce a tray/splint that adequately adheres to the teeth and more importantly protects the gums. Certain damage, sometimes irreversible, and painful can occur so be careful.
Are there any side effects?
Most patients report little to no sensitivity, yet some patients experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment. Basic over-the-counter analgesics such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin can be used according to the manufacturers instructions. Patients are encouraged to contact our office if there are any questions or concerns.
How long is the In-Office procedure?
The entire in office time is approximately 2 hours. The procedure begins with debriding and cleaning the teeth, making impressions, and isolating the intra-oral soft tissue, followed by one hour of whitening.
How long is the office appointment for the At-Home procedure?
The entire office time is about 15 minutes for impressions and to answer any questions you may have. Once completed, we will be happy to send the system to the patients mailing address or a patient can stop-by the office anytime to pick it up. The take-home gel is designed to be worn for a minimum of two (2) hours per application. Our office will advise you on how long you should wear each application. The number of overall applications is dependent on the patient’s personal idea of what shade looks great.
How is the Take-Home System different from the In-Office System?
The main difference between the two systems is that you use the At-Home system is in the convenience of your own home over a series of applications. The In-Office system is performed entirely in the office along with the added benefit of the complete At-Home system utilized for touch-ups.