Teeth Whitening
Brighten your smile with Power Whitening
Just like you see on Extreme Makeover!
All dental whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to the teeth. Until recently, the whitening agent was applied via soft trays (custom designed by a dentist, or bought in over-the-counter kits) that are worn overnight or during the day for two to three weeks. But now we are offering a new way to whiten teeth.
Called power whitening, it's often used in conjunction with take-home whitening procedures. For a power-whitening treatment, your dentist first protects your gums, and then applies a concentrated whitening agent.
Finally, the whitening agent is activated by directing a high-intensity light or laser on your teeth. The entire process takes just over one hour.
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 maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
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Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
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Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
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Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
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Yellow, brown stained teeth.
What does tooth whitening involve?
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 either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. 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.
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.