What does tooth whitening involve?

There are several techniques that we use in our office for teeth whitening:

1) In -office-whitening: Brite Smile Technology. This takes about an hour and half and is completed in one visit. it works great for yellow to brownish colored teeth. Many patients do not have the discipline or patience to do home bleaching and elect to go with Brite Smile.

2) Home Whitening: this technique involves fabricating custom trays in which the whitening solution is inserted into. Patients are instructed on how to use this at night for seven to 10 days. Please note that trays are not trays. Our office has the trays fabricated in California by one lab that is excellent. The trays are rigid and have the teeth blocked out somewhat so that it creates a reservoir for the solutions. Additionally, the gum area is scored so that that the saliva does not leak into the trays in an hour or so and dilute the solution.

3) Power Whitening Technique: this is used on tetracycline stained cases and for those patients who want absolutely the whitest teeth. It involves two office visits and ten days at home.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

If you have nice teeth and are happy with the shape and position of your teeth, then whitening your teeth might be an option for you. Whitening your teeth is a conservative way to enhance your smile and look more youthful as well. There are many safe and effective ways to professionally whiten your teeth. Generally speaking whitening your teeth lightens the shade of the teeth and often removes external stains as well.

Who might benefit from teeth whitening?

Kids and Adults who are happy with the shape of their teeth are usually good candidates for whitening. Most patients get some improvement from whitening and are usually happy with the results.

Is it recommended that anyone not undergo teeth whitening?

Not everyone is a candidate for whitening. If patients have sensitive teeth, decay, or gum disease or if they are pregnant, whitening is contraindicated. Patients who have tetracycline stained teeth usually do not get as good of results as others, although we have a power whitening technique that works for these types of patients. Other contraindications are patients who have existing crowns and fillings on their teeth. These will not whiten and the natural teeth might become whiter than the crowns. However, if the natural teeth have darkened through the years, then sometimes they can be whitened to get them closer to the shade of the crowns. Definitely, consult with a cosmetic dentist before considering this.