Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel.  It is the quickest and easiest way to take years off your appearance and give yourself a smile makeover!

We're sure you must have tried the ineffective "whitening toothpastes" and the over-the-counter White Strips - otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this page.  Then, there's the opposite side of the financial spectrum - the ZOOM® whitening system - which costs patients approximately $1200 for the same results we can achieve for less than half the price.

In our practice, we offer a home tooth bleaching system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Tooth whitening requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions will be taken of your teeth to fabricate custom, thin clear plastic trays.

At your second appointment, you will try in the trays for proper fit, and you will be given home care instructions.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution daily for 30 minutes for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit our office regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.