Yellow teeth are particularly noticeable and stigmatizing, especially when you otherwise appear youthful and healthy. Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is the least invasive and least expensive way to brighten your teeth. Understandably, tooth whitening has become the most common medical or dental cosmetic procedure in the United States today.
The cosmetic dental treatment known as ‘whitening’, or bleaching, whitens the tooth enamel. Causes of discoloration or stained teeth include tea, age, coffee, tobacco, red wine or medications such as tetracycline.
What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?
Tooth whitening can be done in-office or at-home using a whitening kit. Our office offers both solutions and will recommend the best solution for you.
The solution our office recommends depends on the severity of discoloration or staining of your teeth. For example, individuals with tetracycline, or those who want to see quick results, are candidates for this in-office whitening, which uses the highest concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide to produce the most profound whitening.
In-Office Whitening
Before the dentist applies the peroxide whitening gel, a cream is applied over the gum tissue and cheeks to protect them from the powerful bleaching agents used. After the whitening gel is applied, the Zoom WhiteSpeed LED speeds up the whitening process.
To ensure the patient achieves the results they are looking for, an in-office bleaching may require additional visits to our office.
At-Home Whitening
If your dentist recommends an at-home teeth whitening kit, you will be fitted with a custom mouth guard to ensure the bleaching solution touches all the enamel of your teeth. As a more immediately available and economical option, we also offer pre-filled, one-size-fits-all bleach trays. The number of treatments depends on the patient’s expectations and severity of discoloration. Although at-home whitening takes considerably longer, it is less expensive than the in-office alternatives.
Once the desired results have been achieved, a ‘touch-up’ can be done once or twice a year to maintain your beautiful smile!