What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is essentially a mild bleaching process that restores stained or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural white color. Don’t be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. Our Pasadena, Texas Dental office uses an advanced procedure that is only available from dental professionals.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth become discolored for different reasons:
- Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or soft drinks.
- Eating any food that would stain a white t-shirt.
- Use of tobacco products.
- Accidents – If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually “die,” and the tooth becomes dark.
- After Root Canal Therapy, a tooth will generally darken.
Is Teeth Bleaching Safe?
Bleaching is very safe. We use a bleaching solution that is safe when used as directed.
Is Teeth Bleaching For Me?
Dr. Nugent will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether bleaching is right for you. In some cases, a different cosmetic procedure may better meet your expectations, but bleaching is a safe, fast and easy process that is effective for almost everyone!
What Is The Bleaching Process?
We will make impressions of your teeth so that we can create individualized custom bleaching trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide the bleaching agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be bleached. We will record the current color of your teeth to help you monitor your progress.
Then we will fit your custom trays in your mouth to ensure they feel comfortable. We will instruct you on how to apply the bleaching agent to your trays and how to insert them into your mouth. You will take the custom trays and bleaching agent home with you. Most patients wear the bleaching trays for ten to twenty minutes a day. Over the course of two weeks your teeth will achieve their maximum whiteness. When this happens stop bleaching. Then in six months when the teeth have become stained again, you can wear the bleaching trays for one to two days to “touch up” your smile. The custom-fitted teeth bleaching trays are barely visible and do not interfere with your ability to speak.
How Long Will The Results Last?
The effects typically last for a long time. Remember that teeth are always being stained. Many patients choose to “touch-up” their teeth every six to twelve months by re-bleaching for one to two days. “Touch-ups” are especially useful for patients that drink beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold, or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms are only temporary and disappear within a few days. Dr. Nugent will provide easy and practical information that usually eliminates sensitivity.
Experience the difference of an award winning dental office. See why Dr. Nugent is the leader in Family and Cosmetic dentistry for Pasadena, Texas. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.