Many people are satisfied with the effects they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between their teeth once a day and regular cleanings at the dental office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter we have some options for you. Current research supports tooth bleaching as a generally safe and effective method to improve tooth color.
Regardless of the reason for teeth bleaching a visit with the dentist for a thorough examination is essential to determine if bleaching is appropriate for each patient. Tooth discoloration may be the result of decay, age, food and beverages, smoking, medications or other causes. Sometimes the discoloration is on the inside of the tooth.
Unlike natural tooth material crowns, fillings and other dental materials are not affected by bleaching. The dentist will determine the cause of the discoloration and discuss with each patient how to achieve their desired effect. Stains from food and drinks are deposited on the outside of the tooth and can be removed by a visit with the hygienist. Once stains are removed you may be a candidate for tooth whitening.
You can take several approaches to whiten your smile:
In Office Bleaching:
This is usually a single appointment. We protect the gums with a barrier and hold the lips away from the teeth before applying a concentrated gel to the teeth. This is left on the teeth for 15 to 30 minutes and several applications may be given during the session. A special light is used to activate the gel. At the end of the treatment the teeth are washed clean and a brighter smile is revealed.
At Home Bleaching:
An impression is taken of the patients teeth and custom trays are made. The patient applies a less concentrated gel to the trays which are then worn for 1 hour – 4 hours. The procedure is repeated until the desired color change has been reached. Repeating with regular applications is needed to maintain the results.
Power Bleaching:
If the teeth are especially difficult to bleach we combine both in office and home options. Usually beginning with a regimen of at-home bleaching followed by an in office treatment.
The most commonly observed side effects of professionally applied hydrogen peroxide products are temporary tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of oral tissues. These usually resolved themselves in a day or two. It is important to understand that all teeth react differently to bleaching. Some teeth are denser than others and may be more difficult to whiten. If you have very sensitive or thin teeth then bleaching is not for you. It is also not recommended for children or young adults.
If you would like more information or to book a free consultation for teeth whitening drop by the office or call us on 946 4321 or click on Book An Appointment