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In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

  1. Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
  2. Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
  3. Improve or correct bites.
  4. Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
  5. Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
  6. Replace missing teeth.
  7. Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

Remember, your smile speaks before you even say a word!

Tooth Whitening
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 smile.

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. In office whitening is also available. The results are immediate and may require multiple visits. 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.

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:

  1. Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
  2. Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  3. Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  4. Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?
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.

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. If you experience sensitivity please tell us and we can offer you some specially formulated fluoride gel to quickly soothe the discomfort.

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.

Dental Connection Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
(Orthodontics only)
Saturday, Sunday
Closed