Teeth Whitening

More and more people want whiter teeth these days, and fortunately, we can help! Until recently, anyone who wanted brighter teeth had to wear a soft tray (similar to a mouthguard) containing a whitening agent for several hours each day for several weeks. Now, through a technique called power whitening, we can often obtain great results in a single appointment. For stubborn stains, we may suggest combining power whitening with home whitening techniques.

Who is a candidate for whitening?

• Anyone with generally healthy teeth who has enamel discoloration from:
• foods that stain, such as berries
• certain beverages like coffee, black tea, and colas
• tobacco products
• the aging process

Home whitening trays

Home whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration and stains. Your teeth darken over time, as minerals penetrate the enamel. This darkening can be caused by aging, staining substances such as coffee, colas, or tobacco, tetracycline, excess fluoride intake while the teeth were forming, or tooth nerve degeneration.

Whitening agents work by using a specially formulated gel to gently force oxygen through the enamel of your teeth, virtually erasing stains and brightening your teeth without damaging their structure.

After an examination to make sure you don't have gum disease, cavities, or other oral problems, we take impressions of your teeth. From these impressions, we make precise models of your teeth. Using these models, we make a personalized tray that fits tightly over your teeth and allows us to achieve optimum results. At home, the tray is filled with a gentle whitening solution. You'll place the tray in your mouth, over your teeth, and keep it in place for several hours each day (while you're asleep or during the day).

Our staff will also closely monitor the progress you are making with your at-home whitening kit to make sure the surrounding gum tissue isn't becoming irritated. When the process is complete, your smile will be noticeably whiter and brighter

OUR PRACTICE DOES NOT CURRENTLY OFFER POWER BLEACHING. WE ARE CONSTANTLY RESEARCHING SO THAT WE MAY PROVIDE OUR PATIENTS WITH A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IN OFFICE BLEACHING TECHNIQUE. OUR LONG TERM EXPERIENCE IS THE SYSTEMS THAT ARE WIDELY ADVERTISED SIMPLY DO NOT DELIVER WHAT THEY PROMISE. FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES READ BELOW ON HOW THE PROCESS IS SUPPOSED TO WORK.

How does power bleaching work?

• A special protective gel is applied to your gums, and a rubber dam is placed.
• The whitening agent is applied to your teeth.
• A high-intensity light or laser activates the whitening agent.
• Oxygen from the solution penetrates the enamel and bleaches out the stains.
• Your teeth are checked and, if necessary, the cycle is repeated.
• The entire process takes an hour or two to complete, and you'll be able to see results right away. Although the results produced by power whitening last for several years, you may want to come in for additional treatments or periodic touch-ups.

Possible side effects

Some people experience a little temperature sensitivity, especially to cold, but this normally subsides after a few days. Power whitening is a safe and effective way to a brighter smile in a single dental visit.