Teeth Whitening

What Is It?

Whitening creates a more esthetic appearance by reversing the discoloration of tooth enamel.

Why is a New Patient Exam required?

Determining whether a patient is a candidate for whitening is largely based upon diagnosing the exact cause of the tooth discoloration. Careful clinical examination and x-rays will help determine if whitening is indicated for the strength and condition of the patient’s teeth.

Certain factors can contribute to discoloration and include:

• Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining

• Excessive fluoride

• Trauma (injury) to the teeth

• Pulp degeneration

• Restorative materials (amalgam, silver or gold)

• Aging

• Consumption of staining substances (Coffee, tea or tobacco products)

Where is the whitening process done?

Whitening is simply done in the comfort of your own home. Patients have an initial exam at their first dental appointment to determine their gum health. Then impressions are taken and custom trays are made to fit snugly around their teeth. When the trays are picked up a couple of days later, patients are trained on how to perform the procedure at home with the custom trays and the whitening gel.

How is the whitening process done at home?

Basically, each night after thoroughly brushing their teeth, they put a small quantity of a special whitening gel into their custom trays and place them over their teeth. In the morning they remove the trays, clean them carefully and brush their teeth normally.

How long will it take?

This whitening process is done over a period of two or three weeks until the desired color result is achieved.