TOOTH WHITENING
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed. More often touch-ups will be needed if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, wine, or dark colas.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
There are two types of whitening, in-office, and at-home. The at-home whitening involves the use of custom fabricated whitening trays. This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution. The degree of staining and the desired level of whitening will determine how often and for how long the trays are worn. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
The in-office whitening delivers a bright shining smile in typically just one visit. At the appointment, whitening gel will be placed on the teeth and allowed to sit for several minutes to produce the whitening effect. A normal in-office whitening appointment takes just 60 minutes. At the in-office whitening appointment, impressions will also be taken to fabricate whitening trays. The whitening trays will be provided to the patient for home use to touch up the whitening as needed.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed. More often touch-ups will be needed if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, wine, or dark colas.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
There are two types of whitening, in-office, and at-home. The at-home whitening involves the use of custom fabricated whitening trays. This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution. The degree of staining and the desired level of whitening will determine how often and for how long the trays are worn. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
The in-office whitening delivers a bright shining smile in typically just one visit. At the appointment, whitening gel will be placed on the teeth and allowed to sit for several minutes to produce the whitening effect. A normal in-office whitening appointment takes just 60 minutes. At the in-office whitening appointment, impressions will also be taken to fabricate whitening trays. The whitening trays will be provided to the patient for home use to touch up the whitening as needed.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.