Teeth Whitening
Few people are completely happy with the whiteness of their teeth, and in fact, millions of people experience dental discoloration to some degree. Even people who brush and floss regularly, and who never miss a dental checkup or a cleaning may, over the course of time, find that their teeth aren’t quite as brilliant as they once were. Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth, and sometimes even eliminate stains entirely.
Different Options
There are several products and treatments that are designed to whiten your teeth. Some preparations are available over the counter, but they are unlikely to be as dependable or to offer the same level of whitening as the treatments that are available from your dentist.
Over the counter treatments are among the cheapest types of whitening, but they can be largely ineffective, or may contain levels of peroxide that are high enough to damage your teeth – this is especially true of the least expensive ones. In-office teeth whitening is the most expensive method, but it is also the one that will deliver the best results. The final cost will, of course depend on how many treatments you require. It may be possible to supplement in-office whitening treatments with take-home treatments consisting of whitening trays and gels, available from your dentist, that you use at home.
Side effects from professional dental whitening treatments are very rare, and when they do occur, are mild. Whitening is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment
Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful brilliant smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of the whitening treatments, it is nearly always worth a solid try.
Who Benefits
Virtually anyone who wants a brighter smile can benefit from professional teeth whitening. If you have mild or moderate discoloration, whitening can restore your smile. However, you may not be a good candidate for whitening if you have extremely sensitive teeth. Additionally, if you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), or you grind your teeth, the problem could be exacerbated by the use of whitening trays – that doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from whitening, though, it just means that you’ll have to have in-office treatments.
Patients who have veneers, crowns, or dental bonding need to know that any restoration or fabrication will not respond to whitening. If a patient who has any of these treatments chooses to have their teeth whitened, they will need to have their restorations replaced to match the new appearance of their natural teeth.
An Affordable Solution
Professional teeth whitening can be a great confidence-builder, and it’s a reasonably inexpensive way to add dazzle to your smile. It is, however, an elective treatment. Since it’s not essential for oral health, your dental plan will not cover it. You may qualify for a low-interest, or even a no-interest loan through companies like Compassionate Finance® that offer loans for cosmetic dentistry. Most people, however, find that the cost of professional teeth whitening is not all that onerous.
Process
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
Your Invisalign doctor will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your Invisalign doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break. Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which makes them comfortable and provides a better fit. Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance.
Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners are made from SmartTrack proprietary material to deliver more predictable tooth movements.6 Unlike most other clear aligners and retainers, Invisalign aligners and retainers are trimmed based on each patient’s gum line to provide optimal patient comfort and aesthetics.
Maintenance
Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces
