Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure. It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.
In only a day or two, your custom bleach splints will be ready for you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, nearly invisible splints.
With only 30 minutes of wear per day for 10 days, our bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, occasional treatment is all that is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns, or veneers may be the only choice. However, because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a try. Please ask Dr. Kopper which whitening method would be best for you.
Key benefits
- Corrects brown, yellow, and mottled tooth staining
- Works on people of all ages.
- Is a near permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness, and bringing a smile alive.
The whitening process
Your first appointment will include matching your tooth color with a shade guide and taking impressions of your teeth to have study models fabricated. This will take approximately fifteen minutes to a half an hour in the office. You will also receive a prescription for Prevident 5000 Plus toothpaste (this will help alleviate sensitivity, which many patients experience when bleaching). We recommend that you start home bleaching after you have just had your teeth cleaned.
At your second appointment you will receive your take-home bleach trays and bleach kit and we will explain the proper use of these materials. This appointment will take approximately fifteen minutes to a half hour.
How is it done?
An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouth guard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used for 30 minutes a day for 10 days, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns, or veneers may be more appropriate.
What can cause tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Who might benefit from tooth whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, Dr. Kopper can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, bleaching is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
How long do the results last?
Every patient is a unique in this regard. Generally results will last at least one to three years. As long as you keep your bleaching trays, touch up material can be purchased from our office.
Sensitivity?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after interruption or completion of the treatment.