Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive method used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an optimal way to enhance your smile.
The most popular and safest method used today is an at home teeth whitening system that will bleach teeth dramatically. Since teeth 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 whitened teeth.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for teeth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Stained teeth due to medications such as tetracycline.
- Yellow, brown stained teeth due to coffee, tea, wine, tobacco.
- Normal wear of the enamel that exposes yellow dentin below.
What does teeth whitening involve?
This type of bleaching at home 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. Instructions will be given with the professional bleaching kit. The trays with gel will be worn either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. Tooth sensitivity is normal during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. The bleaching trays will be used for several years so you can easily do “touch up bleaching” if teeth start to yellow again over time.
If you have any questions regarding in-office teeth whitening, then please call our office at 336-969-6888.