Tooth Whitening At Home

If you've always wanted a whiter, brighter smile, ask Dr. Simon about Tooth Whitening. Under the doctor's supervision, you can whiten your teeth in a matter of days with a safe, comfortable and effective process. Through the use of a custom-made delivery system and the latest materials in tooth-whitening technology, you can have whiter and brighter teeth.

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS

It's actually a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted appliance that is worn over your teeth while you sleep. 

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, nerved degeneration, and old restorations.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Almost everyone. However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. The tooth-lightening system is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile. 

Why is the Dentist Supervised Home Whitening process unique?

You can whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively, in private, while you sleep or for a few hours during the day. 

Is the process safe?

Research indicated that whitening the teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums.

How does it work? 

The whitening gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, carbamide peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed, only the tooth color is made lighter.

How long does it take?

Results are usually seen in the first day. Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 nights.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. Others have reported temporary discomfort, such as gum or tooth sensitivity. These symptoms always disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

How long do the results last?

The teeth will always be lighter than they were. To keep your teeth looking their best, you will need periodic re-bleaching for one or two days every four to six months.

A NOTE OF ASSURANCE

Tooth whitening is a relatively new process in cosmetic dentistry. However, the solution that is employed has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue. 

The whitening process is most effective on mildly discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, take longer to respond to treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth and the duration of time that the system is used. 

If you have any questions, please ask. We're here to help you maximize your smile. The introduction of tooth bleaching means that the whiter, brighter smile you've always dreamed of can be yours in just a few days. 

Remember, only a dentist can make your teeth their whitest.

The At-Home Whitening Process

1.  During your diagnostic visit, we will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These will allow us to make custom gel-holding appliances called bleaching trays.

2.  In your second visit, you will be fitted with the trays. You will also be given the whitening gel and specific instructions on how to administer it and how often to wear your trays. 

3.  Follow the take-home directions carefully, continuing to maintain proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing. Maximum aesthetic results will be obtained in most cases two weeks after following the specified procedures.

4. Remember - save your models and bleaching trays for future touch-up bleaching. All you will need is to purchase whitening gel. If you lose your models or bleach trays you will have the added expense of replacing them.