Teeth Whitening Whitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most noticeable changes that you can make to improve the appearance of your smile. Whitening, or bleaching, is a non-invasive and simple dental treatment that will alter the color of your tooth enamel to make your smile look whiter and brighter.For many people, dull or stained teeth are the primary concerns that they have about their smile. At-home teeth whitening systems are the most popular method for correcting this problem. However, if you have older fillings, crowns, and other restorations, you need to be aware that these whitening systems will only work to improve the appearance of the natural tooth enamel, so you won't notice any changes on those restorations. It is recommended that you have those restorations replaced after bleaching your teeth so they match the new and improved color of the rest of your smile. Reasons to Whiten Your TeethThere are numerous reasons why you might choose to whiten your teeth:
The Teeth Whitening ProcessThere are two options when it comes to whitening your teeth at Bagley Dental. One option is a custom whitening system which includes fabrication of custom trays that are worn at night. The custom trays look like clear orthodontic retainers and serve as a carrier for the whitening product. The other option is a lower cost Opalescence Go treatments. Both systems are prescription level whitening products and are effective at whitening teeth. Both have pros and cons which we would be happy to discuss with you. If you want to whiten your teeth with the Custom home whitening system, you will generally need two dental appointments. At your first visit, molds of your teeth will be made to create customized plastic trays to hold the whitening solution.After your trays have been fabricated, you'll have a second appointment where we'll make sure they fit properly. You'll receive instructions on how to wear the trays for optimal results. In most cases, this will involve wearing them either overnight or twice per day for several weeks. The Opalescence Go system involves two prefabricated carrier trays with whitening gel that fits both upper and lower teeth. The are purchased as a case of 10 or as an individual sample. Since it is a prescription, you must be a patient of record to purchase them. The cost is roughly ¼ of the custom whitening system. Caring for Your Whitened TeethWhen whitening your teeth, it is completely normal to experience sensitivity. Fortunately, this discomfort should stop once you have finished your bleaching treatment, but if it doesn't, sensitivity toothpaste can help with the symptoms. It is important to remember that teeth whitening isn't a permanent procedure, so to get the most out of your results, you should be sure to avoid foods and beverages that could stain your smile, including: wine, tea, soda and coffee. If you are a smoker, you should also consider giving up the habit. Additionally, you will likely need an annual touch-up in order to maintain your beautiful, white smile. Schedule Your Appointment Today!If you are interested in whitening your teeth, call (509) 547-1631, and schedule your appointment today! |
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