What is Teeth Whitening?
Dull colored or stained teeth. Teeth whitening systems are highly effective and have dramatic results. Many celebrities consistently whiten their teeth to improve their appearance.
How is Teeth Whitening Performed?
Plastic whitening trays will be made from models of your teeth. You will then place a special whitening gel in each tray and wear the trays in your mouth for several hours per day. (Many patients wear their trays after dinner and before bed.) A significant change in tooth color is usually seen in just four to six weeks.
Who is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most adults, and even some teens, can be good candidates for teeth whitening. Having a dentist perform or oversee your whitening process adds a layer of safety and efficacy to your treatment. Before we prescribe or perform teeth whitening, we conduct a thorough dental examination. This allows us to identify potential concerns, such as gingivitis, gum disease, or cavities, which may experience discomfort when the whitening gel is applied. If necessary, we will treat problems ahead of time to ensure we achieve a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing outcome.
What are the benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening offers patients the opportunity to feel more confident and happier with their smiles. Using a professional-grade whitening gel and custom-fit trays, we achieve noticeable results quickly, sometimes in about an hour, with minimal side effects. Home whitening is a convenient, comfortable way to achieve a brighter smile in a week to 10 days. Patients only need to wear their teeth-whitening trays while they sleep, watch television, or work at home. Because teeth whitening is completed using a precise percentage of bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide, the treatment can be repeated periodically as needed to maintain a radiant smile.
Professional teeth whitening is:
- Convenient
- Comfortable, with few side effects
- Consistent in achieving uniform results
- Affordable
Is Teeth Whitening safe?
Yes. Before beginning teeth whitening treatments, the dentist performs a thorough exam to rule out potentially painful dental problems. The whitening agents used by dentists have been carefully tested for safety and efficacy. These agents have been used now for over twenty years and have consistently achieved outstanding results.
How long will my Teeth Whitening results last?
Teeth whitening treatments remove extrinsic stains. This type of tooth discoloration is within the outer layers of tooth enamel. Dullness and discoloration are the result of daily living. The foods and beverages that we consume deposit microscopic particles in the pores of enamel. Over time, this causes teeth to look dull, yellow, or brownish. The teeth whitening process releases the particles that have been deposited to teeth appear whiter and brighter. How long the results last can depend on your personal habits. If you smoke, drink coffee or tea or red wine, or frequently eat stain-causing foods, you may want to touch-up your results more frequently.
How often can I get Teeth Whitening treatments?
Teeth whitening may be repeated as often as a few times a year for people who are in good general oral health. It is recommended that patients undergo a full dental exam and cleaning every six months to confirm that teeth and gums are in good health. With the all-clear, teeth whitening can commence during or right after these twice-a-year checkups.
How long does a Teeth Whitening treatment take?
In-office teeth whitening treatments take about an hour. When this process is performed, patients may see a dramatic difference in the radiance of their smile within that one visit. Because the in-office treatment can lighten teeth by several shades in a short time, this option is often favored by those who have a big event in their near future. In-office whitening is also selected by patients who do not have the time to perform daily whitening at home.
Home whitening treatments are performed daily for a period of one to two weeks. During that time, patients see their smiles brighten by the day. To achieve uniform results as quickly as possible, patients usually wear whitening trays several hours a day, taking care to rinse the mouth and trays thoroughly after each wear. Because home whitening is done while a patient sleeps or performs their normal activities, it may not feel as though time is taken out of the day to improve the smile's appearance.
Tooth Whitening Alternatives
Accelerated whitening is another option for some patients. This process can result in whiter, brighter teeth in just one office visit. Please consult with the doctor to see if this procedure may work for you.
Occasionally, teeth may be stained in a way that limits the effectiveness of tooth whitening. In those instances, porcelain laminates or crowns are an excellent alternative.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today!
To learn more about Teeth Whitening or to see if you are a good candidate, call 503.925.9595 to schedule a consultation at our office in Sherwood, OR.
