Teeth Whitening ~ We can bring out your very best smile

Simple & Safe

It's understandable to desire shiny teeth and a healthy, bright smile. And dentist-supervised at-home tooth whitening is a popular, effective and safe means of achieving this. Tooth whitening can lighten your teeth color, with one treatment lasting as long as 5 years. Several recent studies have proven whitening both safe and effective; a number of the required products have also received The American Dental Association's seal of approval.

Although some patients notice slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity during the process, it doesn't mean that whitening isn't feasible for them. We simply take a bit longer to complete each phase of the treatment. And such sensitivity typically ends after the process is complete.

Specific & Successful

If you're interested in whitening your smile, you'll first want to talk with Dr. Siegrist about the details. He can help you determine how the process might impact your particular situation, and which of the specific whitening systems would best suit your needs. Some people are simply better candidates than others for a successful whitening treatment. The most satisfactory results are typically obtained when teeth have been darkened to a yellow, brownish or orange tinge from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. About 90 percent of patients find this to be the case.

However, dark gray tones resulting from fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline use often don't respond as dramatically to whitening. Further, it's important to note that whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants or porcelains. Finally, sensitive teeth, teeth with periodontal disease, and teeth with worn enamel typically do not respond well to whitening.

Supervised & Systematic

Many whitening methods are available, but most patients choose 'dentist-supervised at-home whitening'. In this process, a few simple steps are required. First, Dr. Siegrist or one of our hygienists will make impressions of your teeth, so that we can fabricate a comfortable, lightweight, customized whitening tray appliance. These trays are thin and comfortable enough to be worn night or day, during conversation, working, sleeping, etc. When we give you your trays and usage instructions, we'll also provide you with the necessary whitening materials and a list of recommended whitening session lengths. Typically, a system including two to four 'treatment' hours per day will require three to six weeks to complete; those including nighttime wear may be completed within 10 to 14 days.

Spectacular & Shiny

Although it's not possible to predict the precise shade that the whitening will bring about for your particular teeth, you can typically look forward to a two-shade improvement as indicated on Dr. Siegrist's shade guide. And you'll preserve your new, brighter smile best if you eliminate such habits as smoking and coffee/tea drinking. If you notice that the new color has become less bright after one to five years, you may choose to have a touch-up. This second procedure is generally less costly than the first, as the original whitening trays may often be reused. And, second treatments are often faster as well.

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