A Beautiful Smile
Cosmetic teeth whitening
Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do before getting whitening?
Yes, immediately before getting your teeth whitened we do not recommend brushing your teeth unless it is with an oxygenating toothpaste, one with aloe vera is best to strengthen your gums and prevent any sensitivity. Refrain from eating or drinking citrus fruits and juices for several hours before a treatment since they change the acidity level of your saliva and could temporarily cause increased sensitivity to your gums and / or teeth.
What is the expected time for a treatment and what is the process?
Plan on spending an hour with us. We will ask you to show up a few minutes prior to your treatment time so you can fill out all necessary paperwork. The process takes between 30-45 minutes. By allowing an hour, you will not be rushed and we have plenty of time for pre and post treatment care, instructions, set up and clean up.
Are there any things I cannot eat, drink or do after my treatment?
Yes, we recommend that you do not eat or drink or do anything that could stain your teeth (Tomato based foods, soy sauce, red wine, mustard, juices, beets, etc) and avoid extreme hot or cold foods or drinks for the first 24-48 hours. Try to refrain from smoking. Avoid mouth wash that contains alcohol, this can actually chemically curtail the bleaching effect. We also recommend using an oxygenating oral rinse immediately after your treatment, to enhance the effect of the whitening.
Is the process safe for all people?
Many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. The process is very safe both the machine and all the products used are FDA regulated and approved. It is however not recommended for individuals who wear braces, have just completed gum surgery, are in poor health, have any gum disease, exposed roots, decayed or sensitive teeth, jaw joint problems, colitis, ulcers, periodontal disease or allergies to any of the ingredients. Although there is no evidence of any ill effects as a precaution it is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, nursing or small children. If you have photosensitivity or are taking any medication that causes it, we do not recommend you getting treated.
Will the bleaching process harm any of my dental work?
No, it will not harm any dental work, it is completely safe. Veneers, crowns, bridges, bonding and fillings do not whiten.
What about the white spots on my teeth?
After the whitening procedure if you have white spots (sometimes hidden in your teeth and sometimes visible) from previously wearing braces or from calcium deposits, they may become more visible.
Are there any side effects?Some people may feel a slight tingling or bubbling sensation, white gums or soft tissue sensitivity. This will disappear within 24 hours. We recommend using our special remineralizing gel, Vitamin E, Aloe, Sensodyne toothpaste or ACT mouthwash directly on the affected areas. All of which will reduce those temporary feelings.
Don’t you have to be a dental professional to do teeth whitening?
No, the FDA opened up the field to non dental professionals. The ADA and FDA recognized this as a cosmetic procedure, one which does not change the structure of the teeth. This is a self administered procedure.
Is there a difference between what a dentist can do and what we do?
No, they just charge more because they are dental professionals.We use the same machines and pharmaceutical grade products that they do. Before the FDA opened this field up recognizing it as a cosmetic process, Dentists were the only ones able to perform these services.
What is the difference between over the counter products and the products we use?
The main differences are that we use a higher % pharmaceutical grade Carbamide Peroxide, the length of time whitening takes and the use of the LED machines.
What is a LED and what does it do?
A LED is a light-emitting diode, which is a UV blue emission light calibrated to the perfect wavelength to penetrate but not harm the tooth enamel. This along with the warmth activate the whitening gel which acts upon the stained organic deposits to oxidize them, bringing your teeth shades lighter and closer to their natural color.
What is Carbamide peroxide?
It is the active ingredient in the light-activated whitening gel, consisting of hydrogen peroxide. The oxidizing agent becomes active when coming into contact with water, allowing it to enter the tooth’s enamel, bleaching the stains out of the teeth, while leaving the structure of the teeth unchanged.