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.

 Having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients. In our office we have two methods to whiten your teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system.  The second method, deep Bleaching , consists of a combination of in-office bleaching and home bleaching for a more dramatic result.

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:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

Home Tooth 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 1 hour 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.

Deep Bleaching:

This method starts out exactly as does the home bleaching, however, at the second appointment, after the custom trays are fitted, we will administer  2 consecutive twenty minute in-office bleaching sessions, using a special conditioning bleach to enhance the result of the home bleaching.  You will then proceed with home bleaching , as above, for at least two weeks or until the desired level of whitening has been achieved.  The last step is a final in-office bleach application, only this time, we apply the conditioning bleach for 3 consecutive twenty minute sessions. The end result is usually fantastic.

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.