Teeth Whitening FAQs

Am I a Candidate for Whitening?

The most natural look for most people is when the color of your teeth matches the whites of your eyes. Look in the mirror. If your teeth are more yellow than the whites of your eyes, you will end up with a much improved smile! If your teeth already match the whites of your eyes, your teeth may not look noticeably better.

How Safe Is It? Will it hurt my enamel?

The ADA-approved products for at home whitening are the 10% carbamide peroxides. There are two ADA-approved 35% hydrogen peroxide products approved for in-office use, and thanks to the newest technology available today, neither of them require the use lasers or light initiators.

Carbamide or hydrogen peroxide does not etch or roughen the enamel in any way. It works from the inside-out of the tooth to carry away the oxidation products that have settled over time into the porous inner layer of the tooth under the enamel. Teenagers have also had significant whitening results even when their teeth have had fewer years to discolor than adults.

There have been many good double-blind clinical trials that have shown not only immediate safety, but also short and long term safety, over the last decade. Whitening with a 10% carbamide peroxide is probably the technique in dentistry right now that has one of the strongest track records for safety and effectiveness!

How Long Will It Take?

The length of time to brighten your teeth to their whitest is usually 2 weeks, but it can vary considerably. The process is totally client-dependent, when your teeth quit changing color, lightening is complete. (See the exciting information below under Recent Advances if you have very dark or tetracycline stained teeth.)

Why Do I Need A Dentist-Supervised Whitening System?
Or, "Why can't I buy the inexpensive kit on TV or in the drugstore?"

A proper exam and diagnosis by the dentist, which includes radiographs (x-rays), can determine why teeth are discolored. Single dark teeth that are discolored may be indicative of other problems such as an abscess or a "dead" tooth, that will require endodontic or restorative therapy, or multiple dark teeth may just need a regular "cleaning."

A dentist-fabricated custom tray assures that the whitening gel will stay against the tooth and the trays will not be uncomfortable like the boil-and-bite trays that you purchase in the drug store. A custom tray assures that the gel will stay where you want it and not be running down your throat, or hurting your gum tissues by flowing out of the trays during the whitening procedure. Most people find the custom fit of the tray is so good that they are nearly invisible and they can speak normally with a tray in! Whiten while you work or sleep!

What about my Existing Restorations?

Not all restorations will absolutely have to be changed, however the probability does exist if the restorations are more than 2-3 years old. Most of the newer composites have good "metamerism," which is the chameleon-like ability to take on the shade of the tooth. When the teeth get lighter, even though the composites don't quite match, they blend in well enough that they don't need to be replaced. On the other hand, a yellowish composite that matches beforehand is definitely not going to match afterwards, and you will want it replaced!

How Long Will I Have to Wear the Trays?

With the newer systems available today, your teeth can become dazzling white with as little as ½ to 1 hour of wear 1 to 2 times a day. The systems are so flexible now that you can wear them anywhere from one to several hours, day or night. Just ask us; we will tailor your program to your individual desires!

Should I Do Both Top and Bottom Teeth at the Same Time?

That is totally up to you. If financial constraints allow you to do only your upper teeth this year, feel free to come back and do the lower teeth in the future.

Many people get the whole kit and then start with just one arch to have the other teeth to compare the color against. If you've ever watched someone's child grow up or lost or gained weight, you know how easily we forget what somebody used to look like 6 months or even 6 weeks ago. When you can see the comparison, you'll know it's working!

In-Office or At-Home Whitening? How do I choose?

When you want immediate smile results in as little as 30 minutes*, choose the In-Office Power Whitening! As an added bonus, anyone who does Power-Whitening in our office will also receive complimentary whitening trays and the at-home kit, to further enhance the whitening process.

If you prefer the convenience and privacy of whitening in your own home, choose the flexible At-Home Whitening Kit.

* after your initial visit

How Long Does It Last?

On average, 1 to 3 years. At a year and a half, 74% of the people who had whitened were still at their new whiter color. At 3 years, 62% still had the new white smile. At 7 years, 35% still had their new color!

Eventually the teeth will pick up more stains and you will want to do a "touch-up." The only question is, are you going to touch up with one in-office Power-Whitening procedure or are you going to wear your trays again for 1 or 2 applications to get back to your brightest smile?

The rule of thumb is about 1 or 2 re-treatment applications for every week of daily treatment that you did originally with the At-Home Whitening System. The touch-up kits are available for only the price of the Whitening gel itself. Keep your trays!

Recent Advances

One of the most significant recent advances in professional tooth-whitening has been the development of an extended treatment protocol (2-6 months) for tetracycline-stained teeth. Before this was proposed, patients with tetracycline stains were not considered candidates for whitening. Many of those with tetracycline staining had taken the antibiotic for infections when they were between the ages of 2 and 5, while teeth are forming and the tetracycline stained the teeth. At-home whitening every night has been found to eliminate many of these stains.

Another significant advance in whitening is the use of potassium nitrate and/or fluoride to control any potential temporary sensitivity. The sensitivity associated in the past with tooth-whitening can be virtually eliminated today!

By the way, the newest technology of the 21st century has made Laser-Whitening nearly obsolete! It still works, of course, but simply is no longer necessary! Split-arch studies were done recently at a whitening symposium at Loma Linda University, comparing laser-assisted and plasma-arc light assisted whitening on one side and the newer gels without light on the other side. The results showed no statistical benefit from the laser or light!

Realize the Power of Your Smile!

Your smile is your single greatest asset! It is the first and often the last impression you will make. A beautiful smile not only is contagious, it conveys happiness, confidence and sincerity. Shouldn't yours be the best it can be?

Call us today to begin your new dazzling smile! It takes only 20 minutes to get started! And the benefits can last a lifetime!

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