What is tooth whitening?

It is actually a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel (the outer surface of your tooth) and dentin (the deeper
regions). The “typical” process uses a mild solution containing carbamide peroxide retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth for home bleaching and a stronger peroxide gel and special light when done in the dental office.

The In-Office bleaching technique, utilizing a special light, is the fastest and most effective way to brighten your teeth. What’s even more important for those always on the go…there are NO trays to wear or mess with at home. No worry about the tooth sensitivity that the “run-of-the-mill” take-home gels routinely create. Instead your teeth are brightened in the comfort of the dental office.

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes for discolored teeth. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, cola drinks and tobacco), trauma to the teeth, staining, nerve degeneration, and old, leaked fillings. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. It’s the “luck of the draw” . . . . some of us are born with gorgeous “choppers”. The majority of us unfortunately have either grayish or darker, yellow teeth. Uggh!


Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

Almost anyone! However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Most dentists can determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis of the cause of staining. Home Teeth Bleaching is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.


What types of stains have the best prognosis?

Teeth darkened during aging (brown-orange) respond predictably well. Other types of stains (fluorosis, smoker’s stain, and tetracycline) will also lightened, but results are case dependent. THE BOTTOM LINE . . . Don’t expect miracles if you fall in these categories (ie. Porcelain laminates may be a better choice for you). Routine use of home bleaching prior to placing “white” fillings is be advisable since subsequent bleaching causes mismatch with existing restorations. THE BOTTOM LINE . . . . if your tooth color is more YELLOW in color (versus more GRAY), bleaching IS a good choice for you!


How long does it take before color change is perceptible if “routine” home bleaching treatments are used?

For routine bleaching trays, don’t expect to see major changes before four to six days. As we have already stated, some teeth take longer to whiten. And some bleaching systems take longer to work. But you may see perceptible changes in one or two days!!

Why do the teeth whiten?
The gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, hydrogen peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the teeth and bleaches the colored substances. Only the tooth color is made lighter, while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.

New breakthrough technology allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively, in only two 30 minute applications per day. For example, you can whiten your teeth while driving to work or watching your favorite TV show.

How do patients respond to this treatment?

Are you kidding? Who doesn't love whiter teeth?!!! They ALL love it! Most people desire white teeth.

To bleach faster or as kickoff to home treatment, state-of-the-art in-office "power" teeth bleaching can be used. Speak to your dentist about the advanced BELGAN FORMULA, found only in the " GentleWhite"™ bleaching system.


Are there side effects to the treatment?

With most "ordinary" at-home tooth bleaching, tooth hypersensitivity, gum irritations, mild TM disorder from tray, nausea, and sore throat (from swallowing bleach) have occurred in some patients. However, when utilizing QuickStick™ or advance in-office bleach in GentleWhite™, the majority have had no side effects. NO SENSITIVITY!