Tooth Whitening: Enhancing Your Smile
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment that can change the color of natural tooth enamel. This is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are several ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system, which can whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. After bleaching, you should replace any restorations so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. You may need a touch-up once a year, and more often if you smoke and/or drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for Tooth Whitening
- Fluorousis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
What Does At-Home Tooth Whitening Involve?
Our dental office typically provides a two-visit whitening system. At the first appointment, our team will make impressions (molds) of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear, plastic trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays to ensure proper fit, and our team will make any necessary adjustments.
You will then wear the trays with a special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and your desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity during the whitening process, but this will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
We will provide you with detailed care instructions for your teeth and trays, and encourage you to visit our office regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In addition to at-home whitening, Hunsaker Dental also offers in-office whitening. Our dental professionals perform this in-office procedure, allowing patients to get their teeth whitened in a single visit.
Professional whitening treatments can immediately whiten teeth by up to 8 shades in just 45 minutes. Because our dental professionals oversee the process, the in-office whitening is safe, reliable, and hassle-free.
Hear Mario's Whitening story
