If you are considering whitening your teeth you have many options.  Dr. Lily Ling of Sherborn Family Dental is happy to meet with you to discuss how you can achieve your desired results.  This blog post covers whitening services provided in-office by your dentist.  We will discuss some custom and off-the-shelf take home options as well in later blog posts.

What is bleaching?

Bleaching is used to correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining.  People typically have their teeth whitened to improve their appearance.  When people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and their confidence shines through.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea, soda or smoking.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Though not a permanent solution, teeth whitening is very effective with results that can last for years.  Depending on your personal habits, touch-up kits can be used every 6 to 12 months to enhance and maintain whitening results.

What in-office whitening services do you offer?

We provide an in-office bleaching treatment consisting of a 38% hydrogen peroxide gel applied in two to four 15-minute sessions conducted during a single visit.  The whitening product contains potassium nitrate to help minimize sensitivity associated with the bleaching process.

Compared to other bleaching systems, sensitivity is not a concern for most patients with the bleaching product that we use.  Most patients are able to go through three to four rounds of treatment in a single visit.  Most patients achieve changes of at least 2 real Vita shades whiter. We recommend a home-tray follow-up after any in-office whitening for optimal results.

What else do I need to consider?

Remember that bleaching is a cosmetic procedure and is not a substitute to dental treatment for any underlying dental health issues.  Also, crowns, fillings, dentures, cavities, and bridges will not whiten or change color with bleaching.  Bleaching can whiten your natural teeth but will not whiten fillings or ceramic restorations.  Also be aware that all teeth do not whiten the same amount so there will be some variation in whiteness as exists with your natural teeth.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment contact Sherborn Family Dental at (508) 545-1050.  Check back again for future blog posts covering take-home whitening products.