Teeth Whitening
Tooth Discoloration
Teeth naturally darken as we age. Over time, staining may be caused by exposure to coffee, tea, soda, tobacco, and certain foods. Discoloration can also occur because of certain childhood illnesses, medications, physical trauma, etc.
Opalescence Removes Stains
The patented Opalescence Tooth Whitening System will remove discolorations with a gentle sustained release action that will oxidize (bleach) stains within your teeth. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. History and research show that most patients treated experienced some level of tooth whitening. Porcelain restorations and white fillings do not whiten with bleaching agents.
The Treatment Procedure
We will examine your teeth and gums to ensure good oral health. Old fillings may need to be replaced and/or decayed areas treated and filled. An impression of your teeth will be taken to guarantee proper fit of the custom fabricated bleaching trays. The thin, soft plastic trays provide sufficient comfort while bleaching. Once the tray is made, we will explain how to use Opalescence bleaching gel. Most patients use Opalescence while they sleep. We will decide how many nights your treatment should take for maximum results, Most patients will need to bleach for only three to eight nights. In some cases, we may recommend bleaching during waking hours instead and possibly for shorter time periods.
Other Information
Research and experience show that the whitening effect from the Opalescence treatment usually lasts for years. Teeth may darken faster if exposed again to staining products such as tobacco, coffee or juices. However, the teeth will probably remain significantly lighter than if no treatment had been done. We may recommend a toothpaste, such as the Opalescence’ Whitening Toothpaste, to help minimize the formation of external stains on your teeth. Depending on your teeth and type of staining, results will vary. We can explain the type of results you can expect from the treatment. Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold while using bleaching products. This will disappear in one to three days after interruption or completion of the treatment. To help with sensitivity, we may prescribe a desensitizing fluoride gel.