(205) 991-5343

(205) 991-5343

Teeth Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is the easiest and least expensive way to make an instant change to your smile and overall appearance. Although most grocery stores carry whitening products, these typically do not provide complete whitening due to lack of coverage and lower concentration. You might also consider single-use whitening systems, in-office whitening products or dentist-delivered custom tray systems. Research has proven the custom-fabricated tray delivery systems offered by dental professionals to provide the best whitening results.

Is teeth whitening for me?

If you are looking to improve your smile and overall appearance easily, teeth whitening might be a good option for you.

If you have periodontal disease or excessive root surface exposure, you may experience significant sensitivity to teeth whitening. Do not whiten your teeth if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the procedure like?

When applying a dentist-delivered custom tray system, start the whitening process by brushing your teeth. Rinse well. Place a dot of bleaching gel in the front portion of the custom fitted tray and spread the gel with the syringe tip. Place the trays on your teeth and gently press the tray to move the gel into place. Wipe away any excess gel on the gum tissue with your finger or tissue and spit out any excess. Wear the trays for 1-2 hours or overnight, depending on the bleach. Remove the trays. Wipe the gel out with tissue and use a toothbrush with water.

How long will it take me to heal?

You might experience sensitivity to whitening if you have periodontal disease or excessive root surface exposure. However, an average patient does not experience pain from whitening. Although every individual whitens at a different rate, the average time most people notice a color change is after wearing trays daily for 2-3 weeks.

If you have more questions about the whitening process, please see the FAQs below.

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Teeth Whitening FAQs

  • What are the basic whitening instructions?
    Start the whitening process by brushing your teeth. Rinse well. Place a dot of bleaching gel in the front portion of the custom fitted tray and spread the gel with the syringe tip. Place the trays on your teeth and gently press the tray to move the gel into place. Wipe away any excess gel on the gum tissue with your finger or tissue and spit out any excess. Wear the trays for 1-2 hours or overnight, depending on the bleach. Remove the trays. Wipe the gel out with tissue and use a toothbrush with water (no paste to clean the trays thoroughly.
  • How long will it take for my teeth to whiten?
    Every individual whitens at a different rate, but the average time that most people notice a color change is wearing the trays daily for 2-3 weeks. Yellow and brown stains bleach faster than blue or grey stained (tetracycline-stained) teeth.
  • Is it normal for my teeth to be sensitive?
    Sensitivity is one of the most common side effects from bleaching. After the whitening process, it is common to experience sensitive teeth. It is also common to experience little “zings” in the teeth during the process and even a day or two afterwards. If this occurs and is not toloerable, you may want to change the schedule to ever 2nd or 3rd day or night. To help in preventing or temporarily reducing sensitivity, you may choose to use a toothpaste for “sensitive teeth” which usually takes 4-6 weeks for a noticeable change.
  • Can I whiten my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
    Patients with periodontal disease or with excessive root surfac exposure may notice significanet sensitivity. Use a “sensitive teeth” toothpaste and nighttime fluoride rinse to help desensitize your teeth prior to bleaching.
  • Is it normal for my gums or teeth to have white spots?
    It is common to see white areas on the gum tissue or teeth after removing the trays from your mouth. Do not panic as it will disappear usually within the hour. Try to remove as much excess gel from the gum tissue to prevent this from occurring on your gum tissue.
  • Why are my teeth not whitening evenly?
    Coffee, tea, tobacco, dark soda, red wine, cherries, blueberries and tomato sauce can all discolor teeth and should be avoided during the entire whitening processAnything that will stain a white shirt may stain your teeth.
  • Will my white fillings and crowns whiten?
    Surface stains on fillings may lighten during the whitening process, however the filling itself, as well as crowns, will not whiten. Fillings and crowns may need to be replacedif you are not satisfied with the color match.
  • Where should I store the bleaching gel?
    You can increase the shelf life of the gel by storing it in the refrigerator. Take the gel out 1 hour before whiteing or place the tube of gel under warm water prior to loading your trays to get the gel to room temperature.

    DO NOT WHITEN IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
    PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

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