Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the colour of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so that they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth 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 tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of the outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth - due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow or brown stained teeth
What does tooth whitening involve?
AT HOME WHITENING
This type of tooth whitening requires visits. At the first appointment, impressions or moulds 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. The trays are worn with a special whitening gel either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you’ve stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy and white smile.
IN OFFICE WHITENING
ZOOM or in office whitening can improve the colour of your teeth as much as eight shades in just one visit! This is a great solution when you just can’t wait for that bright new smile. If there’s an upcoming reunion, wedding or job interview and you just want to wow them with your smile - ZOOM maybe what you are looking for.
The procedure is comfortable and convenient. Your gums are first protected to prevent any contact with the bleaching gel. The gel is then applied to the teeth and exposed to the activation light for 15 minutes. The gel is removed and reapplied twice. You can relax and watch TV for about an hour while we re-create that beautiful brighter smile.
Call us today to recapture that bright beautiful smile!
