Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is used to brighten the natural color of the tooth enamel, and it is an easy, non-invasive way to improve the appearance and beauty of your smile.

There are several different ways that patients can whiten their teeth. Home tooth whitening systems are the most popular method, and they can give patients dramatic results. Before beginning a tooth whitening regimen, it’s important to determine if any fillings, crowns or other restorations need to be replaced, as tooth whitening only works on the natural tooth enamel. This replacement will be done after the bleaching, so your new fillings will match the new color of your teeth.

At Cottonwood Dental we offer zoom whitening and custom take-home whitening trays to help you accomplish your teeth whitening goals. We also offer a combination of zoom whitening and custom whitening trays.

Touch ups every several years are necessary to keep your teeth looking white. People who smoke or drink coffee, tea or wine will need touch ups more frequently.

Reasons for tooth 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 tooth whitening involve?

Getting you set up with the right home tooth whitening system takes two visits. The first visit is used to take impressions of your teeth in order to create clear, plastic trays for you.

At your next appointment, we’ll check to see that the trays fit properly and then make any necessary adjustments. You’ll wear these trays either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks. The length of the treatment depends largely on how white you want your teeth to get and what the current level of staining on your teeth is. After your whitening treatment, it is typical for your teeth to be more sensitive than normal, but this sensation will subside.

In addition to the trays and solution, you will also receive care instructions to help ensure the your smile stays healthy and white.