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Whitening
Bleaching is a process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth.
There are many causes of teeth discoloration. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma, nerve degeneration, and old restorations. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or excessive flouride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Almost anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Nite White is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile, day or night.
The process is safe. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.
The whitening gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, carbamide peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed; only the tooth color is made lighter.
Results are usually seen after the first application. Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for 10-14 nights.
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interuption or completion of the treatment. Patients using Nite White EXCEL are less likely to get tooth sensitivity.
The teeth will always be lighter than they once were. However, some patients may need a tooth whitening "touch up" for 1-2 days, once or twice a year. In order to maintain the whitest tooth shade possible, it is best to avoid substances like coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.
The Whitening Process
1. During your diagnostic visit, we will take impressions of your teeth. This allows us to make a custom gel-holding appliance called a whitening tray.
2. At your second visit, you will be fitted with your whitening tray and provided with the Nite White take-home whitening kit. You will also be given specific instructions on how to administer the gel and how often to wear your tray.
3. Follow the take-home directions and our additional directions. Continue to maintain proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing.
Tooth whitening is a well established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Furthermore, carbamide peroxide, the active ingredient, has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.
The whitening process if effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, may take longer to respond to treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth, the number of applications, or the duratin of time that the system is used.
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