Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening | Family Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smileFamily Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. Family Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development). Family Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN
  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

  The Zoom! Procedure
The Zoom! whitening procedure produces spectacular and lasting results in very little time.

The first step in Zoom! whitening, is your mouth is prepared for the procedure with a mouth brace to comfortably keep your mouth open during the procedure, and a preparation is applied to cover your lips and gums which leaves only your teeth exposed.

Next, the clinician applies the special Zoom! whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is specifically designed to be used with the Zoom! light. The gel and the light work together, and gently penetrate inside the teeth to break up stains and discoloration within the teeth.

The gel and light are left on to work for 15 minutes. The treatment is then repeated 3 times. During this time you can relax and watch TV, read a book or listen to music, while the gel and light do their work.

Finally the gel cleaned off, the prep is removed and you leave with an amazingly white smile. It really is as simple as that! Extensive research and clinical trails have proven that having teeth whitened under the supervision of a dentist is the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth. For more information please visit the ZOOM! website

 Take Home Whitening Trays  

This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays. Family Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. Family Dental Clinic White Bear Lake MN

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.