Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of enamel (the outside layer of the tooth) to create a whiter, brighter appearance. No natural tooth structure is lost and no anesthetic is required. It is a safe, painless and effective way to get a natural looking whiter smile.
We're glad to help you determine if you're a good candidate for tooth whitening. First, we need to check the strength and condition of your teeth and perform a shade assessment. Then we need to diagnose the exact cause of your tooth discoloration:
- Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining
- Excessive flouride
- Trauma (injury) to the teeth
- Pulp (nerve) degeneration
- Restorative materials (silver, gold)
- Genetic and acquired illnesses
- Aging
- Use of staining substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco
Depending on your situation, we offer two types of tooth whitening systems: in-office or at-home. Sometimes we recommend a combination of both to give you the best results in the least amount of time. Regardless of which method is best for you, it's important that you follow our professional recommendations to be sure you are receiving the best and safest treatment available.
In Office Whitening
Most of our offices offer the Zoom! chairside whitening system, a scientifically advanced tooth whitening procedure that is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. Zoom! will make your teeth dramatically whiter in about an hour. A cleaning is recommended prior to the whitening session. The process begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The Zoom! whitening gel, designed to be used with a specially designed light, is then applied. The active ingredient in the whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
At Home Whitening
This procedure involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance (trays) containing the hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening solution. The trays are worn for a prescribed period of days or weeks depending on your personal situation. This whitening method is just as effective as in office whitening.
Tooth whitening is a well established procedure in dentistry. Hydrogen peroxide has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue. The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains such as those caused by antibiotics may be more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth. Occasionally, patients experience mild sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following a whitening procedure.
We suggest that you avoid enamel-staining substances such as coffee, tea and tobacco products for several days following your procedure. To stay whiter and brighter, your teeth may require periodic touch ups requiring that you wear your appliance with the whitening solution for a prescribed length of time. We'd be happy to discuss this with you at one of your future dental appointments or you can give our office a call.
