Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For
example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well,
brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued
teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not
enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored
fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not
effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out
in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to
investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental
bonding.
What is in-office bleaching?
If you are a candidate for bleaching, we may suggest a
procedure that can be done in our office. This procedure is
called chairside bleaching and may require more than one
office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.
During chairside bleaching, the we will apply either a
protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the
oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the
teeth, and a special light is used to enhance the action of
the agent.
What are at-home procedures and products?
We will custom fit you for a tray containing whitening gel
quickly and easily in your initial visit, then you will
continue treatments in your home until your teeth are as
bright as you want.
Bleaching solutions. These products
contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel.
These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide
as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several
different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and
are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some
products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and
others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks.
Teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are
using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this
sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the
treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft
tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn't fit
properly or from solution that may come in contact with the
tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you
should discuss them with us.
Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove
surface stain through the action of mild abrasives.
"Whitening" toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance
program have special chemical or polishing agents that
provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike
bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the
intrinsic color of teeth.
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