What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a process where we use gels to whiten or brighten the enamel or the white portions of the tooth.
Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?
Tooth whitening does not damage the tooth, but can cause some sensitivity in areas of root exposure or recession. It can also cause some sensitivity in areas that patients may have cavities or defects or abrasions on the tooth.
How do you do this whitening teeth?
In our office, we have two methodologies for whitening the teeth. Making a patient customized trays where they can use gels at home. In our office setting, an in-office whitening appointment is where you come in for about 90 minutes. We isolate the cheeks, the tongue, the gum tissue from the teeth and place whitening gels on there in a monitored fashion. In about 15 minute sessions, 3-4 sessions needed, we can whiten and brighten the enamel of the teeth.
Do LED teeth whitening lights work?
LED teeth whitening lights are one of the methods to whiten the teeth. In conjunction with the gel, those methodologies can be an effective way to whiten teeth, but not all teeth whitening systems require an LED light.
What can go wrong with instant teeth whitening at home?
Instant teeth whitening at home can be a little bit dangerous when unsupervised. Gels on gum tissue or swallowed are not very good for your health.
Can dentists whiten teeth permanently?
The best way to permanently whiten a tooth may not actually be teeth whitening. Tooth whitening gels are there to whiten and brighten the enamel, but need to be maintained over a period of time. More permanent solutions for whitening may be a discussion with the dentist about veneer restorations, bonding restorations, and different combinations of that.
Does teeth whitening have any side effects?
Tooth whitening side effects have gone down significantly over time with the better technologies. The most common post-operative complication is sensitivity. Areas of recession or root exposure can become sensitive after whitening procedures, and areas of cavities can become sensitive as well.
How can I best retain the results of a tooth whitening treatment?
The best way after tooth whitening to give your results the best longevity is to stay away from any sort of staining that can be caused on the teeth. In that manner, chocolate, coffee, red wine, teas can all stain teeth. Staying away from them over a period of time after your tooth whitening procedure can give you the best longevity for the bright and whitened smile. Another way is maintaining the smile at home with customized trays and gels placed in those trays to whiten periodically throughout the year.
When can I schedule a tooth whitening appointment?
If you are interested in tooth whitening and tooth whitening options, whether it be at home or in the office, we would love to talk with you. Please give us a call at (252) 651-4419.
It’s not unusual for our teeth to discolor through the years as our enamel wears down. Once the enamel wears down, dentin, a yellow substance that makes the core of our teeth, is allowed to show through. This yellow tint to our teeth can be bleached to a shiny white color through various teeth whitening methods.
Teeth Whitening Methods
Our Atlanta dental team at Eisenberg & Bogdanoff Cosmetic & Family Dentistry provides two popular teeth whitening options. The first, in-office teeth whitening, produces a significant color change in your teeth in about an hour. Done in our Atlanta office, this procedure is done by applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on your teeth after they’ve been protected with a special shield.
The second whitening method involves the use of take-home whitening kits. These kits are purchased from our Atlanta dental office and are for use at home. While the strength of the gel use in these kits is lower than the in-office bleaching, it can be used for longer periods of time. For best results, Dr. Eisenberg and Dr. Bogdanoff recommend wearing the trays for a couple hours a day or overnight for a few days, depending on which take-home whitening kits are selected.
To receive a consultation, schedule an appointment with your Atlanta dental team by calling (252) 651-4419 or by clicking here.