The basic principle of teeth whitening is that a highly-concentrated whitening gel is applied to the enamel, and it breaks the bonds between the molecules that cause your teeth to appear stained. At Cosmetic & Preventive Dentistry, we offer an at-home whitening option including custom bleaching trays and an in-office whitening option.
You can expect your teeth to be about three to six shades brighter after the procedure. In-office whitening is completed in about an hour in our office, or we can fabricate you a custom kit to use at home daily for about two weeks. The at-home kit is usually more effective. Regardless of which one you choose, you can look forward to your new shade lasting for years if you brush and floss regularly.
Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel). Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth, but only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored.
Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.
During your first quick visit to our office, a 3D intraoral scan is taken of your mouth to fabricate custom bleaching trays. At the next visit, these trays are delivered to you along with Opalescence bleaching material (35% or 45% active ingredient) and instructions for use. Trays are worn for two weeks daily for 30 minutes. The advantage of this system is often whitening requires maintenance due to repeat staining from what we eat and drink. With this whitening system, after giving your teeth at least a month break, you are able to repeat the cycle as often as necessary to maintain your bright, beautiful smile.
The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from its whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules. First, a dental professional will make molds of your teeth so you can have your own unique, ultra-comfortable KöR Whitening Trays. Then, you’ll have a simple visit in the dental office, followed by wearing KöR Whitening Trays for two weeks at home while you sleep. The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System is completed with a final one hour visit in the dental office.
Many have experienced pain during teeth whitening. Maybe you've experienced it yourself. After several years of research, development and clinical testing, the inventor of the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System introduced a whitening gel that, in most cases, produces low to no sensitivity. As a result, most patients have no discomfort from whitening when using this technique. Testing has shown that patients who do feel some sensitivity using the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System typically feel no more than 10% of the sensitivity they’d feel from other whitening gels.
Unlike other whitening methods, with easy periodic home maintenance, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System is entirely permanent. Whitening products have been clinically studied and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. Whitening is considered entirely safe. KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ trays are very different than other bleaching trays. They're comfortable; because they’re thin and form-fitting, you’ll forget they're even in your mouth. They’re convenient; by wearing these only while you sleep, it doesn't interfere with your busy day. Also, unlike regular trays, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ Trays seal the bleach inside the tray, preventing the gel from quickly leaking into your mouth.
