Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

• As all of us age - we realize that our teeth may not be as white as they used to be. Especially if you enjoy coffee, cola, or smoking - your teeth can lose whiteness over time. The good news is - with today's technology - you can whiten your teeth and make them really shine.

These days, there are many ways to achieve a whiter, healthier looking smile. Professional teeth whitening costs can be minimal when compared to more complex treatment with porcelain restorations. Even people with sensitive teeth can take advantage of laser tooth whitening for a smile that dazzles.

Many patients prefer laser tooth whitening to the take-home professional teeth whitening trays on the market. And, while costs for laser teeth whitening technology are usually more expensive, the instantaneous advantage of one-hour whitening is hard to resist.

The Laser Teeth Whitening Procedure

The professional teeth whitening process begins with a minor cleaning and removal of any plaque along the gum line. Once this has been accomplished, its followed with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums and peroxide based gel is applied to the teeth. This gel contains a professional strength formula that ensures the laser accomplishes the maximum possible amount of teeth whitening.

Next, a special light is used to activate the gel. The process usually takes more than an hour for a full session of ZOOM or equivalent of 3 x 20 minutes per session or application, and whitens teeth by as many as 10 shades.

In extreme cases, the laser teeth whitening procedure may need to be repeated to address deep stains caused by medications such as tetracycline.

Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after procedure.

Sensitive Teeth and Laser Tooth Whitening

If you are one of the many people who have sensitive teeth, professional teeth whitening is still an option for a brighter smile. The tooth whitening process is usually accomplished in a single visit, reducing the need for repeated uses of the bleaching gel. This provides a great solution for people with sensitive teeth, and those who want instantaneous results.

In today’s cosmetic dentistry market, there are many options available to achieve dramatic results. In-office tooth whitening is perfect for people who want to leave their dentist’s office with a dazzling smile. Professional laser teeth whitening is common among all types of patients, but it is especially popular among patients who have problems with sensitive teeth. Costs can be slightly higher for this type of tooth whitening, but, most patients agree that it is a highly effective and economical way to help improve their smile.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The amount of whitening varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted or guaranteed. But in general:

1. Yellow or brown teeth, surface stains, and uniformly darkened teeth are easier to whiten than grey or bluish teeth. Striped or spotted teeth are difficult to whiten.

2. The In-office Whitening System is a quick procedure that may or may not require additional whitening treatments in order to reach a desired lightened shade. Additional procedures or treatments could include take-home products or additional office vjsits.

CANDIDATES FOR TREATMENT

Most people are potential candidates for the whitening procedure. However, there are a few exceptions:

1. People with significant periodontal disease are not candidates.

2. People with fillings that may be leaking, with unfilled cavities of their teeth or chipped or worn teeth may be better treated by restorative procedures first.

3. Pregnant women should obtain permission from their doctors before the whitening procedure.

4. People with minimal discoloration (teeth that are already white) may not see as substantial a degree of whitening.

RISKS

1. Peroxide solutions have been used for many years as antiseptics in the mouth. They are also widely used for their teeth-whitening effects.

2. If tooth sensitivity develops, fluoride home care gel may be recommended for reducing sensitivity. If sensitivity persists-for more than 12 hours or is severe, please contact our office. -

3. The whitening procedure can cause temporary inflammation and white spots on your gums or lips. This should resolve itself within 12 hours. If it persists. Please contact our office.

4. If you have teeth sensitivity, fillings that are breaking down, decay in your teeth, erosions of the teeth, or exposed root surfaces due to periodontal disease, the peroxide may have direct access to the affected areas. These conditions need correction prior to the whitening procedure. Please inform your dentist of such conditions prior to treatment.

5. The whitening procedure can be very effective at whitening the teeth, but will not change the colour of fillings or crown(s) already in or on your teeth. For aesthetic reasons, such fillings may need changing after the whitening procedure.

6. The whitening treatment plan has been reported not to be effective on some patients. Our office will provide our best efforts to whiten your teeth but lightening results cannot be guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

I. For 48 hours after the treatment the teeth are susceptible to stains from red wine, fruit berries, rich coloured sauces, dark coloured vegetables, coloured spices and coloured mouthwash etc. Eat only “white foods” such as chicken, fish, white wine etc. Smoking should also be avoided for during this period.

2. Never place household or commercial bleaches in your mouth.

3. Keep your recall appointments with our office.

4. If you have any questions or concerns contact our office.

GUARANTEES

There are no guarantees as to the degree of whitening of your teeth.

1. The amount of whitening varies with the individual.

2. Additional whitening sessions and the use of ancillary whitening systems may be required to obtain desired results.

3. In some instances lightening is minimal or unapparent.