Tooth Whitening
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 methods are using a home tooth whitening system and in office whitening procedures (or a combination of both) 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?
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 for an hour at a time or overnight for a week or more 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.
In office whitening is also available where patients spend about an hour and a half in our office having stronger solutions of bleach safely applied to their teeth for quicker whitening than at home options offer.
We use Kor Whitening products and for the optimal bleaching treatment we recommend a combination of pre-whitening the teeth at home using whitening solution in a custom made tray and then having an in office whitening session. For patients with extreme whitening challenges like those with antibiotic stained teeth, longer term customized Kor Whitening regimens can provide whitening results that were never possible before.
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.
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