What
is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process
that restores stained or discolored
teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled
by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening
solutions. Our office uses an advanced procedure that
is only available from your dentist.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth become discolored for different reasons:
- Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or colas.
- Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in
children.
- Aging - The dentin underneath the enamel of a tooth
gradually darkens with age.
- Use of tobacco products.
- Accidents - If a tooth
has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually
"die," and the tooth becomes dark.
- After Root Canal Therapy,
a tooth will generally darken.
Is Whitening Safe?
Whitening is very safe. We use a product
that has been proven safe when used under the direction
of a dentist.
Is Whitening For Me?
Your Dentist
will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether
whitening is right for you. In some cases a different
cosmetic procedure may better meet your expectations,
but whitening is a safe, fast and easy process that
is effective for almost everyone!
We Give You Choices!
You can choose in-office light-activated
whitening for immediate results, or you can choose at-home
whitening.
What
Is In-Office Whitening?
For In-Office whitening, we utilize the
advanced Zoom! light-activated process. Click
here to learn more about
What Is The At-Home Whitening Process?
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First, we will make impressions of
your teeth so that our lab can create custom whitening
trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide
the whitening agent to the areas of your teeth that
need to be whitened. We will record the current
color of your teeth to help you monitor your progress. |
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Next, we will fit your custom trays
in your mouth to ensure they feel comfortable. We
will instruct you on how to apply the whitening
agent to your trays and how to insert them into
your mouth. You will take the custom trays and whitening
agent home with you. The treatment can be applied
any time of day since the clear, custom-fitted trays
are barely visible and do not interfere with your
ability to speak. |
When Will I See Results?
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Immediately! Most patients see results after the
first treatment. It will typically take from 2 to
6 weeks to restore your teeth to a beautiful white.
The time it will take depends on the original color
of your teeth, how discolored they were, and how
frequently the treatment is applied. |
How Long Will The Results Last?
The effects typically last several years. Many patients
choose to "touch-up" their teeth every 6 to
12 months by applying the treatment once or twice. "Touch-ups"
are especially useful for patients that drink beverages
that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity
to cold, or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment,
but these symptoms are only temporary and disappear
within a few days.
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