Teeth Whitening

Whitening of the teeth is performed for patients who desire a brighter smile. Tooth whitening can be performed to reduce discoloration and staining, or simply to provide the patient with whiter, brighter teeth.

Overview of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is used to correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. The term "teeth whitening" can refer to a number of techniques to improve the brightness of the patient's teeth. Among them are chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, abrasive teeth brightening and the newest technique, laser teeth whitening.

Teeth Bleaching

In Office - Instant Gratification

Teeth bleaching is a chemical process used to lighten the color of the patient's teeth. The procedure can be performed entirely in the dental over the period of about an hour. During that time the patient’s gums are protected from the stronger bleaching solution. A series of applications completes the process in a short period of time. Research has shown that the use of a light isn’t as effective as the penetrating gel.

Take Home - Do it Yourself

Before the patient embarks on the home teeth whitening regimen, the dentist creates a custom mouth tray for the patient. The custom tray is a critical component of the treatment. It ensures that the patient's teeth are properly exposed to the whitening solution. The custom made mouth tray provides for a better fit than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray and helps to keep the whitening solution off of the gum tissue

The steps in the home teeth whitening regimen are fairly straightforward. Thedentist's office provides the patient with the materials and instructions and also answers questions the patient may have about the routine.

A home whitening sessions can last for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the strength of the gel used. Depending upon your needs and desired results, your dentist may instruct you to keep the tray in your mouth overnight. Typically, you will follow your home teeth whitening regimen for one or two weeks. It is very important to avoid fluids and food that will stain your teeth during the whitening process as the teeth act much like a sponge absorbing moisture.

How long does Teeth Whitening last?

Teeth whitening procedures are not permanent. Results can last for one or more years, depending upon your personal habits such as the consumption of coffee and red wine. In most cases, the whitening procedure is very effective and the patient is pleased with the results.