Frequently Asked Questions - Teeth Whitening

What is tooth whitening?
It is actually a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution containing carbamide peroxide retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth for home bleaching and a stronger peroxide gel and special plasma arc light for the IN-OFFICE TECHNIQUE.

The IN-OFFICE "Power" bleaching technique utilizing the plasma arc light, is the safest most effective way to brighten your teeth. What's even more important for those always on the go... there are NO trays to wear or mess with at home. No worry about the tooth sensitivity that the take-home gels routinely create. Instead your teeth are brightened in the comfort of the dental office.

Who may benefit from teeth whitening?
Almost anyone! However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. We will determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Home Teeth Bleaching is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.

What type of stains have best prognosis?
Teeth darkened during aging (brown-orange) respond predictably by lightening approximately 2-3 increments on the dental shade guide. Other types of stains (fluorosis, smoker’s stain, tetracycline) are also lightened, but results are case dependent. Routine use of home bleaching prior to placing anterior restorations on older patients may be advisable since subsequent bleaching causes mismatch with existing restorations.

How long does it take before color change is perceptible?
1-3 days for teeth darkened from age & 7-10 days for other types of stain.

Does carbamide peroxide applied
in tray bleach teeth?
Yes. Profoundness of bleach depends on: (1) type of stain; (2) intensity of stain; (3) bleach contact time on teeth; & (4) amount of available active ingredient in bleach.

Why is the Day White Home Bleaching process unique?
New breakthrough technology allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively, in only two 30 minute applications per day. For example, you can whiten your teeth while driving to work or watching your favorite TV show.

How long do bleached teeth retain lighter color?
Dependent on patient! The teeth will always be lighter than they were. However, some patients may need periodic re-whitening for one or two days every one to two years, especially if they continue to use staining substances like caffeine or tobacco products.

Is the process safe?
YES! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.

How do patients respond to this treatment?
Very positively! Most people desire white teeth. To bleach faster or as kickoff to home treatment, our state-of-the-art in-office "power" teeth bleaching can be used. Speak to us about in-office bleaching.

How long does it take?
Results are often seen after the first application. Ideal results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 days. And faster results may be obtained with more frequent application and/or longer wear periods (i.e., over 1 hour per day).

Are there side effects to the treatment?
Sometimes. Tooth hypersensitivity, gum irritations, mild TM disorder from tray, & nausea/ sore throat from swallowing bleach have occurred in some patients. However, the greatest majority have had no side effects.