Tooth Whitening

If you've always dreamed of having a whiter, healthier looking smile, tooth whitening is the fastest, safest and easiest treatment option available in aesthetic dentistry.  

Today, your dental office can offer you a choice of in-office or take-home tooth whitening options that can take place during the day or at night while you sleep.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Our teeth become discolored for many reasons.  Some of the most common causes include aging and consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, red wine, cola, tobacco, trauma, old restorations and nerve degeneration).  During tooth formation, consumption of tetacycline or excessive fluoride may also cause discoloration.  Tooth whitening can usually lighten all of these types of stains.

How does Take-Home Tooth Whitening Work?

Once you and your dental professional decide which tooth whitening option is best for you, the process is easy.  A whitening gel is placed in an inconspicuous, clear tray that comfortably fits over your teeth.  As the active ingredient in the gel (hydrogen peroxide) is broken, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to lighten discolorations.  The structure of the tooth is not changed, only the tooth color is made lighter.  Results are usually noticed after the very first application and maximum results generally occur when the treatment is continued for 7-14 days.

Is Tooth Whitening Right For Me?

Tooth whitening can benefit almost anyone!  After a thorough cleaning and oral examination, your dental professional will help you determine if you are a good candidate.  Whitening is ideal for patients who have healthy, natural teeth.  If you have any pre-existing cosmetic restorations (bonding, porcelain crowns or veneers), you will probably need to replace them once you have completed the whitening treatment in order to match your new, white smile.  Whitening is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or lactating.

What Happens Once I Decide To Whiten My Teeth?

Impressions of your teeth will be taken so that a custom fitted whitening tray can be made.  Depending on your schedule, the dental office will let you know when you can pick up your trays and whitening gel.  In some cases, the dental office may be able to have your trays ready almost immediately.

What Happens Next?

Once you have been comfortably fitted with your whitening trays, your dental professional will use a shade guide to indicate the current color of your teeth.  This will ultimately allow you to see how many shades you have lightened at the completion of the whitening process.  At this appointment, you may be asked to choose between whitening during the day or overnight while you sleep.  While at home, be sure to follow the take-home whitening instructions and always follow the advice of your dental professional.