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Dr. Ross DDSOffice Tour
Hours of Operation
Monday: 10am - 6pm
Tues., Wed., Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 7am - 1pm
Saturday: 9am - 2pm
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Tooth Whitening
What is tooth whitening and how does it work???
Tooth whitening or bleaching is the removal of staining and discoloration present in the enamel of our teeth. This is accomplished through the use of a chemical bleaching agent either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.
Teeth whitening is most effectively handled through a combination of in-office and at-home treatment. The in-office bleaching takes about an hour to and hour and a half depending on how responsive your teeth are to the bleach. One of our assistants will identify the shade of your teeth prior to bleaching, then apply protection to your lips and gums prior to applying the whitening chemicals. A high-power ultraviolet light is used in fifteen second intervals to activate and speed up the progress of the bleach. After several cycles, your shade will again be taken. The take-home component of your whitening consists of custom bleaching trays made from impressions of your teeth. You will be given bleach, the custom trays and instructions on how to use them for the week following your in-office treatment.
Am I a candidate for whitening??
Your Sandalwood dentist will need to do a quick exam of your teeth to ensure that bleaching is appropriate. Some situations including periodontal disease, active decay (cavities), sensitive teeth, and certain health conditions may make you a poor candidate for whitening. Additionally, there are certain types of stains caused by medicines or death of the tooth from the inside that will not whiten predictably. In general, however, most adult patients are excellent candidates for whitening.
What about my tooth colored fillings and crowns??
Composite (tooth colored) fillings, crowns, and veneers will not bleach like natural tooth structure. This will not prevent you from bleaching, but you must be aware that after the bleaching, your old restorations may not match your teeth in color anymore. At that point you may consider replacing your older restorations to restore harmony to your smile.
Is whitening safe??
Recent studies have shown that tooth whitening is indeed safe, and the American Dental Association has approved several bleaching agents for use by your dental professional. There is a risk of sensitivity of both the teeth and the gums during and following treatment, but the sensitivity is temporary and will subside in a few days.
How white can I expect my teeth to get??
There is no exact formula to predict how white your teeth will become after your in-office and at-home treatment. Each patient has several components that make up the shade of their teeth including genetics, enamel thickness and diet. The simple truth is that everyone is different and their teeth respond in varying degrees. You may see advertisements promising that your teeth will be up to six shades whiter, and there are cases where this is actually possible, but realistically, and depending upon how light your teeth are to start, you can expect a two-shade difference. The key to success in whitening is having realistic expectations, clearly communicating with your Sandalwood staff members and following the instructions for at-home bleaching. If bleaching does not achieve the results you require, you might want to discuss other forms of treatment with your dentist.