A Winning Smile now has a couple of options for those looking for a whiter smile. Patients can choose to have their teeth whitened in our office, or at home with custom trays. Keep in mind, however, that whiteners do not actually color or bleach your teeth. Tooth enamel is a crystal, like a diamond with many facets. Over time, stains collect between the facets and discolor the teeth. The peroxide cleans out the stains; it’s not an acid that disintegrates the enamel.

In-office Whitening

This treatment is the quickest way to achieve whiter teeth.

Here’s how it works: A protective gel is applied to your gum tissue and rubber dam is placed over your teeth in order to protect your oral cavity.

The gel will remain on your teeth for 20 minutes. We will remove the gel, evaluate shade change, and monitor you for sensitivity. We will then reapply the whitening gel and repeat the process two to five times. Most teeth continue to whiten 12 to 24 hours after treatment is completed.

At-home Whitening

If you’re interested in whitening your teeth in the comfort of your home, below are some details about our custom, at-home trays. Upper and lower impressions are taken at an initial visit, and the custom trays are usually ready for pickup within a few days.

Instructions:

• Wear the trays at night if possible. If worn during the day, wear for 45 minutes minimum.
• Brush and floss before whitening.
• Apply a small amount to inner and outer walls of custom tray.
• Set trays and wipe off excess from the gums. Swallowing the material is ok.
• At the end of the whitening application, remove trays and rinse mouth. If possible, wait 30 minutes before brushing teeth.
• Rinse trays under warm water and store dry in case provided.

If you have sensitivity, do one or more of the following:

• Skip a night or two before the next treatment.
• Brush with Sensodyne toothpaste.
• Contact or office to see if MI Paste is needed. MI Paste can be applied in trays just like whitening gel.

Keep in mind:

• The whitening process is different for every patient. Generally it takes 10 to 21 days to achieve whitest possible shade.
• Refill kits are available if more whitening gel is needed.
• Touch ups may be necessary every two to three months.
• For best results, try and avoid coffee, tea, colored beverages, tomato sauce, wine, and tobacco during the whitening process.
• Replacing old fillings to match the new shade should be done two weeks after completion of whitening treatments.

Are you a good or bad candidate for whitening?

• Any restorations such as fillings, crowns, and veneers will not whiten. Dentures and partials also will not whiten.
• Patients with peridontal disease may be disappointed by the results. Gum disease or periodontal disease can cause gums to recede, exposing the root surface and making the tooth look longer. The root surface does not whiten. Whitener will leave the tooth two-toned—it cleans the lower portion, but the area along the gum line remains dark. These patients have the option of filling the root surfaces after completion of whitening treatment. However, there is extreme sensitivity associated with whitening exposed root surfaces.
• Patients with tetracycline stains will not benefit from whitening. Teeth that are being developed when the antibiotic is being given becomes darkened.
• Please keep in mind that any cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure.

If you’re interested in learning more about our whitening service, please fill out this form. Someone from our office will get in touch with you and answer any questions you have.