Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they've been dreaming of with our simple "bleaching" procedure. This can be accomplished in two ways: take home and our in-office “Zoom” process.
It's safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.
Generally, in less than a week your custom bleach trays will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, almost invisible trays. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We'll want to take "after" photos at your next appointment.
In about a week you will come to the office and pick up your bleach trays and a prescription-strength fluoride gel. We will ask you to apply the fluoride gel into the trays and wear them 30 minutes a day for one week prior to your Zoom procedure. Since bleaching (especially the rapid-effect procedure done in the office) can cause sensitivity, the fluoride is applied prior in order to minimize any discomfort you may experience.
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, "brilliant" smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.
An impression is taken to make a specialized "mouthguard" or "stent" to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for 30 minutes to an hour for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends. You should ask your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for bleaching.