Teeth Whitening & Bleaching

Teeth bleaching is a chemical process used to lighten the color of the patient’s teeth. The procedure can be performed entirely in the dental office or it can be performed by the patient in their home, using materials provided by the dentist. The home method is often used because it saves the patient from having to make an office visit for each treatment.

Before the patient embarks on the home teeth whitening regimen, the cosmetic dentist creates a custom mouth tray for the patient. The custom tray is a critical component of the treatment. It ensures that the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that the patient’s teeth are properly exposed to the whitening solution. The custom made mouth tray provides for a better fit than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray to help increase the margin of patient safety.

The steps in the home teeth whitening regimen are fairly straightforward. The cosmetic dentist’s office provides the patient with the materials and instructions and also answers questions the patient may have about the routine.

A home whitening session can last from 20 minutes to one hour, during which time you will have the tray and solution in your mouth. Typically, you will follow your home teeth whitening regimen for seven to ten days.