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 types of tooth whitening do we offer?
There are three types of tooth whitening processes offered in our office:
- Sinsational Smile 20 minute in-office whitening
- At Home Custom Tray Whitening
- Crest Whitestrips Supreme Professional Whitening
Sinsational Smile 20 minute in-office Whitening
Sinsational Smile uses patented and FDA approved products. The system combines LED technology with an exclusively formulated (FDA approved) gel. This special gel contains more than just ingredients for whitening. It contains a proprietary catalyst which when combined with the LED light, activates the whitening gel to work at a faster rate, resulting in a brighter smile and whiter teeth in less time.
At Home Custom Tray Whitening
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.
Crest Whitestrips Supreme Professional Whitening
Crest Whitestrips are thin, flexible strips that are coated with a tooth whitening gel containing peroxide. Designed to conform to the shape of your teeth, they work by keeping the whitening gel in place against your teeth to get at stain build-up on and below the tooth's surface.