In-office Teeth Whitening and Brightening

A nice confident smile is a confidence booster and sometimes it just takes a little bit of whitening to achieve this. There are many over the counter products that claim to whiten one’s teeth, but most of our patients find that they are not as effective as the ones we provide.

At Family Dentistry with Love, we offer two ways of giving you that bright, dazzling smile: a custom-fit tray that you fill with a special gel and wear for 30 minutes at a time. Depending on your desired result, you may do this for up to 14 days.

Or if you are like many of our patients, you might prefer immediate results where you can come in and relax while you get your teeth whitened in a little over an hour.

What is an In-Office Teeth Whitening?
It is a teeth whitening process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin without the hassle of multiple days or weeks of application.

What causes discoloration of teeth?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During the formation of teeth, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from Teeth Whitening?
Almost anyone. However, teeth whitening may not be as effective on some as it is for others. We can determine if you are a viable candidate for the Teeth Whitening process through a thorough oral exam, including a teeth shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people whiten their teeth than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Teeth Whitening system makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is In-Office Teeth Whitening safe?
Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider teeth whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any other teeth whitening product, In-Office Whitening is not recommended for children under 13 years of age, and pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last?
The average result our patients have demonstrated is around a year. By following some simple post teeth whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with a take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest.

How does the In-Office System Teeth Whitening work?
What is the difference between carbamide and hydrogen peroxides? Carbamide peroxide is approximately 1/3 of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. The Professional Take-Home Kits are a carbamide formulation. The Professional Chairside (In-Office) kits are Hydrogen peroxide and is used with a versatile Plasma Arc Light (PAC) to achieve optimal results.

What does a patient experience during the In-Office Teeth Whitening procedure?
During the teeth whitening procedure, patients may comfortably read or listen to music. We offer blankets and pillows for your comfort.

Are there any side effects to In-Office Teeth Whitening?
With teeth whitening some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after completion of the teeth whitening treatment.

How is exposure to the teeth whitening light controlled?
The teeth whitening procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Sapphire Teeth Whitening procedure. Also patients taking light sensitive drugs or substances, should consult their physician prior to In-Office Teeth Whitening.

How long does the In-Office Whitening take?
The complete teeth whitening procedure takes just over an hour. The teeth whitening begins with a preparation period followed by 45 minutes of whitening. A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Teeth Whitening session.