Bleaching

Whether you have completed Brite Smile or you are in the midst or completed at home bleaching there are certain criteria that you should be aware of. Hopefully your expectations have been met.

Teeth have surface stain and internal stain. Surface stain is easy to remove and the removal of the internal stain depends on such factors as the type of stain, the depth of the stain. The technique of bleaching uses a peroxide based liquid. This formulation dehydrates the teeth while it removes both intrinsic and extrinsic stains. When teeth are dehydrated they are more porous and more sensitive. For this reason after bleaching do not eat anything that can stain a white tee shirt. For in office bleaching that usually means for 24 hours (but 48 hours is better).

With at home bleaching if you remove the product and return to sleep for at least 6 hours your teeth will probably be rehydrated enough to prevent staining. If you can, even with the take home product, refrain from having red wine, dark gravies, colas, dark coffee and tea during the entire process. This will enhance the results. Some sensitivity may occur during or after the procedure. We have gels that can be used after the procedure to reduce the sensitivity that may result. The sensitivity will decrease and disappear with time.

Do remember that the shade of whiteness that you have upon completion of bleaching will change over the next 2 weeks due to rehydration of the tooth along with some covering of the enamel by a natural normal protective covering. With the trays you can do additional bleaching for a few days every 3-4 months to re-whiten your teeth. Doing this and how long you should use the take home product will have been discussed with you and your dentist.