Procedures

Do you wish you had whiter teeth? Thanks to new materials and technology, you can have a whiter, brighter smile!

Ever notice how some people can practically light up a room with their bright, beautiful smiles? A natural-looking, sparkling white smile can be yours with a safe, painless and effective professional tooth-whitening procedure -and a little help from us!

What Is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of enamel (the outside layer of tooth structure) to create a whiter, brighter appearance. No natural tooth structure is lost, and no anesthetic is required.

How Do I Know If Tooth Whitening Is for Me?

We're glad to help you determine if you're a good candidate. First, for your safety, we need to check the strength and condition of your teeth through an exam and x-rays.

Then, before recommending tooth whitening for you. we need to diagnose the exact cause of your tooth discoloration. A number of factors can contribute to discoloration, including:

• Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining
• Excessive fluoride
• Trauma (injury) to the teeth
• Pulp (nerve) degeneration
• Restorative materials (silver, gold)
• Genetic and acquired illnesses
• Aging
• Coffee, tea and tobacco products

What Happens During the Procedure?

This procedure involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance containing tooth-whitening solution. You must wear this appliance for a period of days or weeks as we prescribe for your situation. In many cases, nighttime application alone is sufficient to achieve the results you desire.

When undergoing the at-home tooth-whitening program, you must return to the office periodically. These appointments ensure that the whitening system is working effectively and that your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Are Touch-Ups Ever Required?

To stay whiter and brighter, your teeth may require periodic touch ups requiring that you wear your appliance with the whitening solution for a few days to a week. Please call us to discuss your needs and we'll be happy to advise you.

Are There Any Side Affects from Tooth Whitening?

Some patients' teeth exhibit a chalky appearance for a short time, due to a slight dehydration caused by the tooth-whitening solution. Occasionally, patients experience mild sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following the procedure.