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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