Teeth Whitening

Have you thought about whitening your teeth?

Tooth enamel picks up stain over years of function, particularly if one uses tobacco, red wine, coffee, tea, dark juices or pigmented foods like berries. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. Bleaching is often a simple way to get those darkened teeth back to pearly white. There are several options available to whiten teeth and give you a whiter brighter smile.

Who May Benefit From Tooth Whitening?

Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, Dr. Hudson can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
When considering tooth whitening, it is important to do so under the care of a dentist.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

While whitening is safe for the most part, there are several aspects to the procedure that vary depending on how the patient presents. Many individuals have sensitive teeth, others have multiple fillings or perhaps shifted or crowded teeth. These variations may prompt Dr. Hudson to change the treatment to best suit you. Depending on the nature of the discoloration and the health of the teeth, Dr. Hudson may recommend one of the following;

In-Office Light-powered (Zoom!)

If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now or you would rather whiten your teeth over a few nights while you sleep, Dr. Hudson has your answer with Zoom! The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth in a little over an hour while you relax at your dentists office. Its ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women. The entire procedure takes less than 2 hours. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. We recommend a cleaning prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session.

At-Home Customized

This form of whitening gives the bleaching agent the longest duration in contact with the teeth. For that reason, it is often the best treatment for optimal results. Here, Dr. Hudson makes molds of the teeth and create custom-fitting trays which carry the bleach material and hold it against the teeth. The treatment takes about 2 weeks to complete top and bottom together.

At-Home Over-the-counter

This is the most simple and most cost-effective way to whiten. This OTC method is dentist directed and uses a bleaching agent that is more than twice as strong as the agents found in drug stores. It consists of pre-made trays that fit over your teeth that are pre-loaded with the bleaching agent. This treatment can be completed in 10 days.

In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, nearly invisible splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.

Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns, or veneers may be the only choice. However, because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a try.

Key Benefits

• Corrects brown, yellow, and mottled tooth staining
• Works on people of all ages.
• Is an excellent option for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness, and bringing a smile alive.

How Is It Done?

An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouthguard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about three to four hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns, or veneers may be more appropriate.

Considerations

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies; however, its better to whiten under the care of a dentist.