Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and 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 a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

We offer a Bright Smiles for Life Program.  The guidelines are that you must be an active patient at our office, you must be current in our hygiene recare schedule and you must have most restorative needs completed (no active decay).

You will receive one power-whitening session, upper and lower custom-made whitening trays, four syringes of whitening gel for home use.  Additional syringes of whitening gel (up to six per year) may be purchased at recare for "touch-ups" for $5 each as long as the patient remains current in hygiene.  Worn, damaged or lost whitening trays may be replaced for $15. each.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.