Looking to brighten your smile…Bleaching your teeth is one of the quickest and more affordable ways to cosmetically enhance your smile.
When your bleach your teeth an oxidizing agent such a hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen that removes the stain that has build up over time on your teeth.
There are 3 basic ways to bleach your teeth which vary in their concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.
1. In-Office Whitening - This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth up to an hour and is activated by some light or laser. The higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used in an effort of achieving esthetic result in a shorter amount of time.
2. Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits – Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight) The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays where a lower peroxide percentage can safely remain on the teeth for a longer period. The longer the trays are worn the whiter the result.
3. Over-the-Counter Whitening - The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, whitening strips or paint-on applicators.
While all bleaching methods work, the key component to long term success is to allow the material enough time to effect any significant change. That is why at PallottaRauzman we recommend the take home kits/trays, as they allow for a high concentration of peroxide on your teeth for a long period of time. This produces better results and less sensitivity and gum irritation. The trays allow you to continue to bleach until you are as light as you want to be, touch up in the future and be in the comfort of your home. Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains (“zingers”) down the middle of their front teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate to have their teeth bleached. Those with crowns, veneers, and old restorations, bleaching might not be the best option for you. Call 973-427-401 today for your free consultation!