Tooth Whitening :
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Whitening In Novi, Michigan
Serving Ann Arbor and the Metro Detroit area
How can I whiten my teeth safely?
There are many different tooth whitening procedures available, ranging from at-home tooth whitening to in-office tooth whitening treatments. The best method will depend on the current color of your teeth, the causes of your teeth's discoloration, your tolerance to sensitivity, and your personal preferences.
Dr. Serra uses Opalescence tooth whitening. With Opalescence tooth whitening, no lights are used, instead, the tooth whitening gel is allowed to penetrate the teeth and improve their color.
How does the Opalescence tooth whitening procedure work?
First, Dr. Serra cleans your teeth to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. A protective gel is applied to your lips and gums to prevent any adverse affects on these soft tissues. Then, Dr. Serra applies the Opalescence tooth whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is allowed to penetrate and lighten stains for 15 minutes, and then it is removed. Dr. Serra does this to your teeth three times, over the course of about an hour, providing you with dazzling results. With an occasional at-home touch-up, your smile can maintain its brightness for years!
How white will my teeth get?
Again, this will depend on many factors including the current color of your teeth, the causes of their discoloration, the tooth whitening method used, how often the results are touched-up, your diet and smoking habits, and your overall oral hygiene. The Opalescence tooth whitening treatment typically results in at least a six to ten shade brighter smile.
Generally, brown and yellow stained and discolored teeth will whiten more easily and get whiter than gray colored teeth.
How long does tooth whitening last?
The duration will depend on each patient and his or her lifestyle. There are maintenance plans to preserve the light shade of your teeth after the initial tooth whitening treatment. But the longevity of your smile's brightness will be affected by other factors, such as your consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, tobacco, other staining agents, and your oral hygiene habits.
What about at-home alternatives?
There are many at-home tooth-whitening alternatives with various degrees of safety and effectiveness. If you opt for an at-home treatment after your initial consultation, Dr. Serra will recommend the use of custom-made bleaching trays made in a dental laboratory, which you will use at home with a tooth whitening agent.
Does tooth whitening work on porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers?
Tooth whitening will not change the color of porcelain restorations such as porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers. If you are considering restorations such as these, you may want to whiten your teeth prior to getting the restorations, so that they can match the rest of your bright smile.
If you are considering whitening your teeth to get a winning, radiant smile, contact us today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation!
