Tooth Whitening Options
Professional Bleaching
A rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect your gums. A bleaching solution is placed on the teeth. A light or laser that generates a small amount of heat is directed at the teeth. Oxygen from the solution enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. The color of the tooth is made lighter. The process takes approximately one hour. The teeth have the solution applied throughout the course of the appointment. The results are usually seen at the first appointment. Darker stained teeth may require multiple appointments.
Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold after treatment. There may be small white patches at the gum line. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after stopping or completion of treatment. Previous white fillings in front teeth may need to be redone. Crowns (caps) and denture teeth do not bleach. The teeth will be lighter than they were. To get the best results the use of home trays is still recommended to supplement the power bleaching. Some patients may need periodic re-bleaching.RELATED LINKS:
HOW TOOTH WHITENERS WORK
FOODS THAT RUIN WHITE SMILES
WHAT IS TOOTH WHITENING?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN TOOTH WHITENERS
