Teeth Whitening

When we ask our patients what they would like to change about their smiles, we often hear “I want my teeth to be whiter.” If, in spite of good oral hygiene, you feel your teeth are stained or dull, teeth whitening, often referred to as teeth bleaching, may be a great option for you.

Many factors can cause teeth to stain or darken. Some of those causes include:

• Foods, such as dark sauces and berries
• Drinks, such as tea, coffee, & wine
• Age
• Injury
• Medications
• Tobacco
• Poor oral hygiene

We offer several types of teeth whitening in our office.

• In-Office Whitening is a great option for someone who would like to whiten prior to a big event, such as a wedding or graduation, which is quickly approaching. This type of whitening, which takes about an hour in the office, can allow teeth to brighten several shades in a very short amount of time.
• Take-Home Custom Whitening Trays are our most popular whitening option. Dr. Sanford and her team will take impressions of your teeth and then make flexible trays for you to wear at home. You will fill the trays with a whitening gel composed of carbamide peroxide and wear for 30 to 60 minutes at home, depending on the strength of the gel. You can “touch up” your teeth at home whenever you notice that your smile isn’t as bright as it was. Check out the video below which shows how whitening trays work!
• Take-Home Prefilled Whitening Trays are a great option for someone who would like to try whitening for the first time. These trays do not require impressions. Depending on the strength, the trays are worn for 30 to 60 minutes for seven days. In addition to containing hydrogen peroxide for whitening, the trays also contain potassium nitrate to help with sensitivity that sometimes results from whitening.

Prior to any whitening service, Dr. Sanford will examine your teeth to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening. Call us at 615-581-5000 to schedule a whitening consult!

Patient Education | Spear Education