Over time, most of us experience stains and discoloration to our teeth. Smoking, certain medications, and eating staining foods can all contribute to discoloration. However, our teeth whitening process allows us to improve the appearance of your smile, either with an in-office procedure or by providing you with a system to use at home. Teeth whitening tends to be one of the most affordable options, and can significantly improve the youthfulness of your smile, even with just one application!
As the name implies, teeth whitening, is the act of whiting teeth and therefore making them more attractive. Teeth whitening can be used to whiten stained, discolored, or dull teeth to improve your smile. Whitening is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your smile and is relatively painless.
There are two primary methods of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home trays.
In-office teeth whitening is ideal for people looking for immediate results or active lifestyles that don't have time for a series of at-home treatments. The procedure usually takes about an hour. In-office teeth whitening starts with the application of a protective gel to the gums and surrounding soft tissue for protection from light. A different gel that activates under light is applied to the teeth surfaces. An intense light is used to enhance the whitening gel's effectiveness.
At-home trays are generally less expensive than in-office treatments and require making a mold of the teeth to create trays. After a few days, the trays will be ready for pick-up and receive instruction on proper use. The trays are taken home, filled with a bleaching gel, and worn for up to one hour at a time, up to twice a day. Bleach trays allow for gradual whitening of the teeth over several days or weeks ending in a fabulous result. Bleaching may cause tooth sensitivity, if this occurs inform your dentist.