Over
the years, like almost everyone, you've experienced a natural
buildup of organic pigments on your teeth. Colorized
proteins from coffee, tea, and other foods have simply darkened
the natural whiteness of your teeth. Any use of tobacco,
antibiotics, and certain minerals usually speeds the darkening
process. But, yellowing can be quickly and easily reversed.
Whitening is
gentle and safe when supervised by your dentist. In fact,
dentist-supervised whitening has been done for nearly a century,
but has increased in popularity in recent years as yellowed teeth
are becoming less and less acceptable, both socially and
professionally. Procedures have been simplified an shown to
be safe.
How long
will whitening take?
You'll see
results right away, usually within three days of starting the
whitening process. The complete process normally takes
between 1 and 2 weeks, but treatment times will vary depending on
the sources, type and depth of discoloration.
How does
whitening work?
Your dentist
will first check your teeth and gums to be sure that you begin the
treatment in good dental health. Then your dentist will take
an impression of your teeth in order to provide you with a
custom-fit plastic tray designed to hold the bleaching gel next to
your teeth. Following the bleaching program your dentist
suggests, you'll notice the results quickly, as the gentle
oxygenating action of the gel begins to whiten your teeth.
Is there
any discomfort?
Some patients
might feel increased sensitivity to cold foods during the
whitening process, but this sensitivity ends a day or two after
the treatment is complete.
Will
whitening damage my teeth?
Not at all.
The whitening process will not affect your enamel, tooth
structure, bonding or restorations. Whitening acts only on
the molecules that carry the discoloration.
How long
will it last?
Non-smokers who
don't drink coffee or tea often see little or no change over five
years. But your own long-term results will depend on your
habits and specific foods you eat. Based on those variables,
some patients may require a "touch-up" treatment at
regular intervals.
Who can
use tooth whitening?
Nearly anyone
age 9 to 90. If you want to obtain a more confident smile by
improving the whiteness of your teeth, talk to us any time.
What's the
difference between dentist-supervised and over-the-counter
treatments?
There are many
differences, starting with the fact that your teeth and your own
dental situation are absolutely unique. Which is why the
safety of your treatment requires a dentist's evaluation and
supervision. You'll also find that trays designed by a
dentist (see below) will fit better and will consequently expel
far less bleaching gel than the unsupervised, over-the-counter,
one-size-fits-all treatment alternatives.
You'll find a significant difference in both the comfort and
safety of both dentist-designed trays vs. unsupervised, over-the
counter, on-size-fits-all "boil and bite" trays.
If you have
any more questions about Whitening, please just ask. You can
email,
call or stop by and discuss your options.
Whitening
