Enhancing Your Smile Pg 2

Tooth Whitening

Bothell Smile Makeover Seattle Cosmetic Dentist ZOOM! Tooth Whitening has become very popular over the past few years. There are different whitening processes available on the market with claims of making teeth from 6 to 9 shades whiter. Whitening is simply any process that makes the teeth appear whiter. If you are considering getting your teeth whitened it is recommended that you consult with Dr. Townsan at Lynnwood Smiles. For some patients the tooth whitening process can be very effective while others may not get the desired results. Not all tooth discolorations are correctable. For instance, if you have had bonding, veneers or tooth-color fillings in your front teeth there are potential problems. Dr. Townsan can advise you about which procedures will give you the best results. ZOOM! Whitening is a common tooth-whitening procedure done at Lynnwood Smiles.

When you have your ZOOM! Whitening at Lynnwood Smiles, in addition to the whitening procedure, you will also receive a custom-fitted mouth tray. This will help in applying bleaching agent evenly during the weeks following your whitening procedure to help maintain your new, bright smile. You will wear the mouth tray for a designated amount of time, allowing the bleaching agent to surround your teeth and begin to work. The staff at Lynnwood Smiles will instruct you on the use of these trays and the bleaching agent you will receive for your take home maintenance program.

Everett cosmetic dentistry The bleaching agents contain carbamide peroxides, which vary in concentrations. The most common strengths available are 10, 16, and 22 percent. They usually come in gel form and this consistency seems to work the best. The products that contain carbamide peroxide actually bleach the tooth enamel. When professionally applied, hydrogen peroxide concentrations range from 10 to 35 percent and are sometimes used in conjunction with a light or laser. This accelerates the whitening process. It is recommended that tray bleaching at home be done only while awake, so any saliva containing the bleaching compound can be spit out and not swallowed.

Bleaching

Mukilteo Smile Makeover A primary candidate for bleaching is someone who has moderately stained or discolored teeth. The stains or discoloration generally cannot be removed through a standard professional cleaning. Dr. Townsan and his staff at Lynnwood Smiiles will make a mold of your teeth and make a custom-fitted mouth tray that will hold the bleaching agent against your teeth and isolate it from mouth, lips and gum tissue. The mouth tray is designed so you can use it at home. Most people wear it for 30 to 120 minutes a day and sometimes longer. It is not recommended to apply the tray while sleeping as the bleach/saliva may be swallowed while you are sleeping. (Although the bleach is a non-toxic strength, it just makes good sense to spit out any excess bleach tainted saliva to promote good health practices.)

A noticeable improvement is usually seen between ten and fourteen days. The duration of use is determined by how light you want your teeth; the longer you wear the mouth tray the whiter your teeth will become. Be aware that sometimes you cannot get the color you wanted and you may have to make a compromise for a little less than you hoped for. Sometimes you may develop slight tooth sensitivity after bleaching. If this occurs, let Dr. Townsan know, and he can provide you with an addition gel to cover your teeth to alleviate this increased sensation.

Providing cosmetic dentistry, dental spa treatment, pain free dentistry and smile makeovers to the Seattle, Everett, Bothell, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Shoreline and Lynnwood, Washington areas.