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.
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Is Whitening Safe?
Whitening is very safe. We use a product that
has been proven safe when used under the direction of the
dentist and has the ADA seal of approval.
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?
Immediately!
Most patients see results after the first night. 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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