Tooth whitening is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color 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 replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.
Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Tooth whitening is recommended in cases of fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development), normal wear of outer tooth layer, stained teeth due to medications such as tetracycline.
WHAT DOES TOOTH WHITENING INVOLVE?
The bleaching treatment involves isolation of soft tissue with resisn-based, light-curable barrier, application of a professional dental-grade hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, and exposure to the light source.
Most power teeth whitening treatments can be done in approximately 30 minutes to one hour in a single visit. Tooth sensitivity could be a temporary side effect in some patients (sensitivity dissapears within 1 to 3 days after treatment).