
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is actually
a mild bleaching process that restores stained or
discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled by unproven
and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. Our office uses an advanced
procedure that is only available from your dentist.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth become discolored
for different reasons:
- Frequently drinking
coffee, tea, or colas.
- Some antibiotics may
darken developing teeth in children.
- Aging - The dentin
underneath the enamel of a tooth gradually darkens with age.
- Use of tobacco products.
- Accidents - If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually "die",
and the tooth becomes dark.
- After Root
Canal Therapy, a tooth will
generally darken.
Is Whitening Safe?
Whtiening
is very safe. We use a product that has been proven safe when used under the
direction of a dentist.
Is Whitening For Me?
Dr. Kopczyk, Dr. Vieth, or Dr. Majors will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether whitening
is right for you. In some cases a different cosmetic procedure
may better meet your expectations, but whitening is a safe,
fast and easy process that is effective for almost everyone!
We Give You Choices!
You can choose in-office light-activated whitening for immediate
results, or you can choose at-home whitening.
What
Is In-Office Whitening?
For In-Office whitening, we utilize the advanced Zoom! light-activated
process. Click
here to learn more about 
What Is The At-Home Whitening Process?
First,
we will make impressions of the teeth so that our lab
can create custom bleaching trays. These trays will guide
the bleaching agent to the areas of the teeth that need
to be bleached. We will record the current color of the
teeth to help monitor the progress. |
Next,
we will fit the custom trays in your child's mouth to
ensure they feel comfortable. We will instruct you and
your child on how to apply the bleaching agent to the
trays and how to insert them into the mouth. You will
take the custom trays and bleaching agent home with you.
Most patients wear the bleaching trays at night while
they sleep, but they may be worn during the day since
the clear, custom-fitted trays are barely visible and
do not interfere with your ability to speak. |
When Will We See Results?
Immediately!
Most patients see results after the first night. It will
typically take from 2 to 6 weeks to restore your child's
teeth to a beautiful white. The time it will take depends
on the original color of their teeth, how discolored they
were, and how frequently the treatment is applied. |
How Long Will The Results Last?
The effects
typically last several years. Many patients choose to "touch-up"
their teeth every 6 to 12 months by applying the treatment for 1 or 2 nights.
"Touch-ups" are especially useful for patients that drink beverages
that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Some patients
may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold, or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms
are only temporary and disappear within a few days.
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