Tooth whitening (or bleaching) 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.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
- Yellow, brown stained teeth.
What does tooth whitening involve?
This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO WHITEN THE STAINS IN YOUR SMILE, it is always safer and more effective to choose a professional teeth whitening system under the direction of a dentist.
Though in-office teeth whitening systems are available, most Smile For Life dentists also offer at-home teeth whitening systems. The media is flooded with advertisements for do-it-yourself remedies, but some of these treatments can be damaging to your teeth and ineffective at fully whitening. With San Pablo, you can enjoy a professional at-home teeth whitening system under the care of a dentist while making a difference in the life of a child.
While an at-home teeth whitening system is often less expensive than an in-office professional teeth whitening system, they are still very effective though they generally take a little longer. The Day White and Nite White teeth whitening systems use the only at-home teeth whitening formula that combines amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), potassium nitrate, and fluoride for several benefits in addition to a white smile.
BENEFITS OF DAY WHITE OR NITE WHITE:
•Effectively whitens teeth •Rebuilds tooth enamel •Reduces tooth sensitivity by 30% •Adds luster to your smile •Reduces fadeback
AT-HOME TEETH WHITENING PROCEDURE:
A dental cleaning and oral exam are both recommended prior to professional teeth whitening. Your dentist can help you determine whether you qualify for Day White or Nite White at-home teeth whitening.
After your initial consultation, you will be fitted with custom-molded teeth whitening trays and given a teeth whitening formula.
For both Nite White and Day White at-home teeth whitening systems, the tooth whitening formula is applied directly to the whitening trays, which are worn nightly or daily, respectively, until the desired shade is reached. The teeth whitening formula contains active ingredients, which slowly penetrate through the tooth enamel and bleach out any stains. Length of treatment varies depending on the current tooth shade and desired results.
Day White:
The Day White teeth whitening system works best for patients who clench their teeth in their sleep. The teeth whitening trays should be worn twice a day for 30 minutes for best results.
Nite White:
For patients who don’t want to hassle with teeth whitening trays during the day, Nite White trays are worn nightly. (Note: the Nite White teeth whitening system is often referred to as Night White but the correct brand name is Nite White.)