All peroxide gels work by forming hydrogen peroxide as an end product. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water, oxygen and numerous radicals and by-products known as “bleaching factors” that lighten teeth.
Optimal whitening results are only achieved when these whitening gels are: fully potent; chemically influenced to produce a high percentage of free radicals (rather than simply oxygen and water); and a prolonged time is allowed for these factors to fully diffuse into the teeth’s microstructure.
Who is teeth whitening for?
When it comes to the appearance of teeth, probably the most common concern patients have is how white they are. Teeth can become discolored for many reasons, staining from diet or smoking, discoloration from medication, or just from wear and tear on the enamel, allowing more of the yellow color of the inner layers of the tooth to show through.
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive process that can improve the appearance of your tooth enamel and dentin, lightening discoloration and brightening your smile.
It is important to note that tooth whitening treatments will only work with natural tooth enamel, so any crowns, onlays, or composite fillings will need to be considered (and possibly replaced) when deciding on whitening your teeth.
Additionally, teeth whitening is not permanent, as beverages like coffee, tea, or wine will continue to stain your teeth, making periodic touch-ups necessary to maintain the same level of whiteness.
Teeth Whitening Consultation
To determine if you are a candidate for teeth whitening, Dr. Rosado will first perform a comprehensive dental examination to verify that your teeth and gums are healthy. Determining the cause of your tooth discoloration is an important step in identifying whether or not this treatment method will work for you.
If you are planning additional cosmetic procedures such as dental veneers or bonding, Dr. Rosado may recommend having whitening treatment first so that your new restorations can be made to match the resulting shade of your teeth.
Teeth whitening treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating, or for children under the age of 13.
In our practice, we offer two in-house teeth whitening systems:
kör Whitening
Before proceeding with teeth whitening, a professional teeth cleaning is recommended to prepare your teeth for treatment.
After your examination with Dr. Rosado, an impression of your teeth will be taken, from which your whitening trays will be created. These trays will be made to fit your teeth, and only your teeth, perfectly. Once the trays are ready, we will ask you to return for your second appointment, where the trays will be checked to ensure they have the proper fit. You will be provided with the special whitening agent that you will use in the trays for 14 consecutive nights.
Please note that the whitening solution may make your teeth more sensitive during the time you use it, but this should disappear once you have completed the process. We will also provide you with the necessary instructions for the care of your trays, and we encourage you to continue to visit our office regularly to help maintain your beautiful, whiter smile.
Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening
Opalescence Go® is the simple and convenient quick professional solution for professional whitening treatment or periodic maintenance. Opalescence Go requires no impressions or custom trays and is ready to use.
- Opalescence gel contains Potassium Nitrate and Fluoride. Together they help maintain overall enamel health.
- It is ready to use and requires no impression shots.
- The unique new UltraFit tray material is extremely comfortable and adapts easily to all teeth.
- The optimal amount of gel allows for easy cleaning after whitening.
- Application from 15 to 90 minutes for 5-10 days
- Flavors: Mint and Watermelon
Aftercare
For best results, you should avoid foods and beverages known to cause staining, including coffee, tea, cola and red wine. We always discourage the use of products such as tobacco, as they cause tooth staining in addition to their other negative health impacts.
It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, to help your teeth stay brighter for longer.
