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| Teeth
Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process that restores stained
or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled
by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions.
Our office uses an advanced procedure that is only available from
a dentist. |
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
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| Teeth
become discolored for different reasons:
# Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or colas.
# Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in children.
# Aging - The dentin underneath the enamel of a tooth gradually
darkens with age.
# Use of tobacco products.
# Accidents - If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve
will gradually"die," and the tooth becomes dark.
# After Root Canal Therapy, a tooth will generally darken.
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| Whitening
is very safe. We use a product that has been proven safe when used
under the direction of a dentist. |
What Is The At-Home Whitening Process?
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| First,
we will make impressions of your teeth so that our lab can create
custom whitening trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide
the whitening agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be whitened.
We will record the current color of your teeth to help you monitor
your progress. |
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| Next,
we will fit your custom trays in your mouth to ensure they feel
comfortable. We will instruct you on how to apply the whitening
agent to your trays and how to insert them into your mouth. You
will take the custom trays and whitening agent home with you. The
treatment can be applied any time of day since the clear, custom-fitted
trays are barely visible and do not interfere with your ability
to speak. |
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Immediately! Most patients see results after the first treatment.
It will typically take from 2 to 6 weeks to restore your teeth to
a beautiful white. The time it will take depends on the original
color of your teeth, how discolored they were, and how frequently
the treatment is applied. |
How Long Will The Results Last?
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| The
effects typically last several years. Many patients choose to "touch-up"
their teeth every 6 to 12 months by applying the treatment once
or twice. "Touch-ups" are especially useful for patients
that drink beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.
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Are There Any Side-Effects?
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| Some
patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold, or
mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms
are only temporary and disappear within a few days. |
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