Smile Gallery - Cosmetic Dentistry - Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

There are two ways patients can choose to bleach their teeth: home or office bleaching. Home bleaching involves the fabrication of plastic mouthpieces that look like protective sport mouth guards. The patient then must wear these mouthpieces with a hydrogen peroxide based bleach for two to four hours a day for four to eight days.

Office bleaching is much simpler for patients though a little more expensive. Patients typically come in for one thirty to forty-five minute appointments depending upon the amount of color change desired. There are no shots or drilling. Patients will commonly relax to watching TV and listening to music during the procedure. Color changes are readily apparent after the first visit. We nearly always use this technique in our office because of the fabulous results and patient convenience. We've been doing this procedure for several years and have found it to be both safe and effective.

Only natural tooth structure responds to bleaching. Fillings and porcelain will NOT bleach. Patients need to consider this before bleaching because significantly whiter teeth may cause your old porcelain and/or bonding to look fairly yellow.