Power whitening makes it possible to achieve a whiter, brighter smile—right here in our office.
How power whitening works:
A special light is shined onto the teeth after they have been coated with a whitening gel. The light works with the gel to release oxygen. The oxygen penetrates the outer enamel layer and then the dentin layer of the teeth, bleaching away stains and discolored areas.
Power whitening quickly brightens your smile:
Once we have determined that power whitening is right for you, we may begin by thoroughly removing any plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then we’ll start the whitening process with protective glasses, a lip retractor, and a cream or lotion to shield your eyes, lips, and face. We’ll then isolate the teeth and protect your gums by applying a special protective material to the gum tissue or by placing a rubber dam.
Next, we paint the whitening gel onto your teeth, and while you relax in the chair, we shine a light or laser onto the teeth. We may repeat this cycle several times.
Since every case is different, we carefully evaluate your individual results. Your new smile will lighten, on average, about 6 to 10 shades. We may sometimes recommend a fluoride treatment, additional bleaching at home, or another session here in our office. We’ll also give you instructions for taking care of your new smile and for handling any post-whitening sensitivity.
Power whitening is a safe and effective technology that can help give you a beautiful new smile, all in one appointment.
AT HOME WHITENING:
Over time, your teeth darken as minerals penetrate their outer enamel layer. This darkening can be caused by foods and beverages that stain, such a coffee, colas, tea, red wine, or berries. Tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can cause teeth to take on a yellowish brown hue. The natural aging process can also cause your teeth to darken.
We can prescribe a home whitening system that will safely lighten these stains, giving you a whiter, brighter smile. A specially formulated whitening gel, designed to be highly effective, yet safe, gently forces oxygen through the enamel of your teeth. The process virtually erases stains and brightens your teeth, without damaging your tooth enamel or your gums.
DESIGNING YOUR WHITENING SYSTEM:
First, we thoroughly examine your teeth and your mouth to make sure at-home whitening is an appropriate option for you. We then take impressions of your teeth, and use the impressions to make models of your teeth. Using these models, we make a personalized whitening tray that fits tightly over your teeth, allowing us to achieve optimum results.
At home, you’ll fill the tray with the whitening gel and place the tray over your teeth, keeping it in place for several hours each day. You can wear the whitening trays while you sleep, or if you prefer, you can wear them as you go about your day. Typically, you’ll begin to see results in two to three weeks.
We’ll monitor your progress on a regular basis, ensuring that your gums aren’t becoming irritated and your teeth are whitening as desired. When the process is complete, your smile will be noticeably whiter and brighter.
MAINTAINING YOUR NEW WHITER SMILE:
Let us know if you experience some sensitivity during or following the whitening process. This is normal, and should subside shortly. We can suggest toothpaste that will alleviate the sensitivity. Avoid foods an beverages that stain, like coffee, cola, tea, berries and red wine, or brush or rinse with water after consuming them.
See us periodically for touch-ups to remove new stains.