Tooth Whitening or “bleaching”  oxidizes and removes internal stains from enamel and dentin (the inner part of the tooth), making your smile whiter and brighter.  These procedures are safe and do not damage the enamel, but can cause temporary tooth sensitivity (known a zingers) and gum irritation that lasts a few days.

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Our office uses Opalescence, the #1 Professional Whitening system.  Their products are unique in that they have patented ingredients for sensitivity in their gel, maximizing patient comfort.  You can apply the gel to custom trays, which are soft, flexible trays made to fit your teeth and can be worn for 30 minutes during the day or even while you sleep.   Most patients use custom trays for a few weeks to get their smile white and then can reuse trays a few days every six months or so to keep their smile bright.  You can also purchase disposable premade trays called Opalescence Go that conform to teeth and are sold in packs of 10.  This is an easy and convenient way to whiten your teeth. 

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If you’re wanting to whiten your smile it is important to remember that crowns, veneers and fillings do not change color with tooth whitening, but people with older restorations often bleach their teeth to get their old dental work to match again.