Special Services

Bleaching

Many people are now very aware of teeth and are quick to notice beautiful smiles.  We are surrounded by everyone in the media with very esthetic, white teeth.  One of the ways people are getting these brilliant smiles is by bleaching.  Bleaching serves to remove stain acquired from foods and drinks we consume every day.  Chocolate, blueberry, wine, coffee, tea, and cola stains can be taken up into the surface enamel.  Home bleaching may also be used to help lighten certain types of tetracycline stains.  Whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist has been proven to be safe for teeth and gums. To bleach your teeth at home, we make models of your teeth and then fabricate custom made bleaching trays, which fit your teeth.  These trays are then worn at night for two weeks.  Although the most dramatic effects are attained with continual bleaching during the two-week period, very good results can be achieved even when the trays cannot be worn on consecutive days.  Once your trays are made, you can bleach again at a later time if you notice stains developing.  It is recommended that you wait about six months before bleaching again. 

Some patients have experienced increased tooth sensitivity and some temporary discomfort of their gums. These symptoms tend to disappear within one to three days after stopping the process. Usually after the sensitivity disappears, the whitening process can be started again, and usually the sensitivity does not return. In any case, any reaction should be reported immediately to your dentist or hygienist, who can then give special instructions. Over-the-counter quick bleaching kits may cause problems that you may be unaware of, such as irritation of the gums and surrounding soft tissue. These types of bleaching kits have a very high acid content, and if they are used too often, they may wear away tooth enamel.  Bleaching procedures are best controlled at your dentist's office.  Your progress will be monitored carefully so any potential side effects can be reduced.  We also caution our patients about the long-term use of whitening toothpastes because they contain more abrasive.  Initially they may make teeth look whiter because they remove surface stains, but with long-term use they will make your teeth more yellow because they will abrade the pretty white enamel.  Loss of this protective enamel can make your teeth more sensitive and susceptible to decay.  For the whitest smile you can get, contact our office today.