Teeth Whitening
Effective Teeth Whitening Service in Bethalto
Great Rivers Dental uses a reliable whitening system for our treatments at the Bethalto office. If you are considering a teeth whitening treatment, let us help you restore your smile to a brighter, lighter shade. Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and it is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Whitening treatments have continued to be a popular cosmetic procedure that is used by many people to remove stains and brighten teeth. Because having whiter teeth has now become the number-one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are several ways to whiten them. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings or crowns. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. We will work with you to get you set up with everything you need to whiten your teeth at home, or you can come into the office for our ZOOM! whitening treatments. No matter what system you use, tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or red wine.
Reasons to Whiten Teeth
There are a number of different reasons people consider teeth whitening treatments. This cosmetic procedure can vastly improve the color of teeth that are experiencing or have experienced:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown, stained teeth
If you are experiencing any of the factors above, you may be a good candidate for a tooth whitening treatment. Contact our office in Bethalto to discuss your situation with our dental team.
The Teeth Whitening Process
So what does it take to get a white smile? An in-home tooth whitening treatment 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. You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and you’ll be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile. If you select ZOOM! whitening treatments, you will come to our office for the procedure. When you’re ready to get your confidence back, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 618-377-0044 at your earliest convenience!