A GUIDE TO
ADVANCED DENTISTRY WITH A GENTLE TOUCH
Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. For a beautiful white smile, Dr. Korwin offers the safest and most gentle way to whiten teeth in Red Bank and Middletown, NJ.
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Teeth Whitening: Why do my teeth get stained?
Tooth whitening can give you a younger, refreshed smile. Almost all teeth, even the darkest ones, can be whitened.
After enjoying a satisfying meal with refreshing food and drinks like red wine, coffee, and chocolate cake probably the last thing on your mind would be the effect on your pearly whites.
Deep dark colored foods and drinks leave a residue on and inside your teeth that even the most effective tooth brushing cannot remove.
Fortunately, science has discovered that some deep-seated tooth stains can be lightened by using dilute solutions and gels containing peroxides. These peroxides (carbamide or others) are applied to stained areas using trays, strips, pens, rinses or pastes.
The Basic Idea - How Tooth Whitening Works
Akin to using bleach in your washing machine, stains are “oxidized” and thereby the dark coloring is removed. The darker the tooth color, the longer the time that the whitener must be applied. Some tooth sensitivity can be expected during the whitening process.
The inside of the tooth has tiny channels called tubules that allow dark colored stains to penetrate the tooth and clog up the tubules. When whitener is applied to the teeth, those clogs are lifted away, and the tubules can be opened, causing discomfort until the tubules re-close.
To minimize sensitivity, the percentage of peroxide in the gel can be varied, or the duration of time the whitener is applied to the teeth can be minimized. A special purpose desensitizer before the whitener is applied or that is contained in the whitener itself can close the tubules for maximum comfort during the treatment. Some over the counter toothpastes have desensitizers included that are formulated to close tubules in sensitive teeth.
Tooth Whitening Techniques
Techniques that involve paint on, tray applied, and light or laser boosted, are all effective.
The secret is in the amount of peroxide, the length of time it is applied, and how effective the application technique is. Power whitening is a combination of home and in office whitening. The results are dramatic.
We usually whiten teeth during Invisalign for beautiful cosmetic results.
If a tooth has preexisting damage, then sensitivity will likely occur, so cavities and cracked teeth should be fixed before whitening.
In-Office Whitening
In office whitening uses a higher concentration of peroxide whitening agents than are available for in home treatments. The process is designed to provide long lasting, but comfortable results to prevent unwanted sensitivity side effects. The most effective treatment for darker stains starts with at home trays and tooth desensitizer worn for 10 to 20 minutes per day for one week prior to the in-office appointment.
The in-office process takes between 60 to 90 minutes, and depending on how discolored the teeth are, it can take between 1 to 3 visits, with home whitening and desensitizing in between. The darker the stain, the more treatment is necessary. At the visit, a rubbery substance is applied to protect the gums, a special holder retracts the lips, and a whitening agent is applied to the teeth. In some cases, a light or heat is used to amplify the whitening process.
After whitening treatment, the bleached color will fade slightly, and then stabilize after about two weeks. Because of this it is best to wait for a few weeks before having cosmetic dental treatment done. Whitening can fade over time, so usually a repeat whitening in 6 months or a year, or home whitening is recommended for longer lasting effects. When properly done with desensitizer, the whitening process can be comfortable and successful.
In-Home Whitening
In home whitening is a very successful process that can result in some great results. The first step is to make sure that any cavities or gum problems are resolved. The main cause of post whitening sensitivity is untreated cavities, or swollen bleeding gums.
For the first visit, impressions are taken to make models of your teeth. A special plastic sheet is used, and heat formed to these stone models, then trimmed to the shape of your gums to avoid overlap and gum irritation. Special wells are formed in the models to hold reservoirs of bleach material over the tooth surface.
At home, a small amount of whitening gel is placed into the tray, and the tray is slid into position over the teeth. At first, a short time is advised to make sure you don’t experience sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive, a special desensitizer can be worn in the same tray for 10 to 20 minutes before the whitener is applied.
After a week of daily use, if you have achieved the shade you prefer, then the treatment is complete. If not, then the process can continue for a few more weeks until you have reached your goal.
Whitener is also available as an over the counter or mail order product. Since there is less whitener, the process will take longer than in office or at home custom trays. Over the counter products are contained in a pre-made tray or as strips that are applied to the teeth. Because they are stock items they may not be as effective as custom made appliances furnished by your dentist.
Dan S. – Middletown, NJ
“After getting my veneers, I felt great. The feeling you get when you get a new smile cannot be explained.”
Stephanie R
“I always have a great experience at Dr. Korwin’s. Thank you for making my smile one I can be proud of in photos!” – Google
Dr. Rogers F., Highlands, NJ
“Dr. Korwin is simply a superlative dental practitioner, the finest I have ever encountered.”
Teeth Whitening in Red Bank & Middletown, NJ
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Cosmetic Dentistry in Red Bank, New Jersey
Veneers, Bonding, Fillings, Crowns, Implants, Teeth Whitening
