Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a simple dental cosmetic procedure and a quick way to get beautiful results in your smile. You can obtain full whitening results in our dental office or at home with our dentist in Rochester Hills, MI, recommended and quality whitening products.

Why Do My Teeth Stain?

Whitening teeth restores brightness, color, and youth to your smile. Over time, our teeth take a beating and staining from beverages like coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and food. Aging over time can change the look and brightness of our smile.

Teeth staining can be caused by all kinds of wear and tear including grinding that shows cracks and discoloration. Our favorite foods that we eat and drink can create a yellow color over time- from red wine and candy to hot coffee, it all adds up!

Sometimes a simple crack or injury in our mouth can create discolorations that make us feel self-conscious about our smile. Unfortunately, the passage of time also wears our teeth down. When we are young, our teeth are new and white yet over time they are bound to wear out and get stained. Smoking will yellow your teeth as well. Tobacco causes brown stains on the teeth and major wear and tear. Medication can also affect your overall health and add to yellowing and discoloration.

Our Teeth Whitening Methods

Trays

Bleaching is a term often brought up when it comes to teeth whitening methods and refers specifically to products that may contain a safe bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide. Using an effective bleaching product will reverse the yellowish color of your teeth.

Another dental whitening method is to take home a professional level kit given to you by our dentist that is safe to be applied at home. These kits involve custom-style bleaching trays. The best kits are available through our team.

Zoom! Whitening

Our Zoom! Whitening system can be fitted to meet your unique whitening needs. You can get this system at our office. We customize each treatment to fit the whitening level you would like to achieve in your teeth. We even have options for those with sensitivity issues.

The actual process of applying the Zoom system takes up to approximately two hours and will make your teeth several shades brighter. Our team will apply the gel process, properly protecting the gums with a rubber type of dam that will keep the gel from affecting them.

Pola Day & Pola Night

We carry the Pola take-home whitening products. These are used with the take-home tray methods of whitening. The daytime option can be worn for 2-4 hours depending on sensitivity. The nighttime option can be worn for up to eight hours.

Life-Like Whitening Products

Life-Like whitening products are also a great option for a take-home kit. The product is applied twice daily for approximately 20 to 30 minutes each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

What are the options for teeth whitening, and how do they work?

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment that enhances the color of natural tooth enamel, making it an ideal way to improve the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are typically less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). There are two main options for professional teeth whitening:

  • Home Teeth Whitening Systems: These involve a gel placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), made from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn twice a day for about 30 minutes or overnight while sleeping. Results typically take a few weeks, depending on the degree of staining and your whitening goals.
  • In-Office Teeth Whitening: Performed in a dental office, this method provides immediate results, though it may require more than one visit. The process takes about 30 to 60 minutes per session, where a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth, sometimes enhanced by a special light.

What causes teeth discoloration, and how can I maintain my results after whitening?

Teeth naturally darken with age as the outer enamel wears down, revealing a yellowish layer underneath. Other common causes of discoloration include smoking, and consuming coffee, tea, wine, or certain medications. Even excessive fluoride exposure (fluorosis) during childhood can contribute to staining. It’s essential to consult your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening, as some stains, like those from tetracycline or fluorosis, may not respond well to bleaching.

Teeth whitening is not permanent, so you may need touch-ups every few years to maintain a bright smile. Your dentist can also recommend treatments like veneers or crowns for stains that are difficult to bleach. Additionally, whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so any old fillings or crowns should be replaced after whitening to match your new shade.

How long do results last?

Teeth whitening in Rochester Hills, MI, is not a permanent process. How long the results last will depend on several factors, including what kind of foods and beverages you enjoy. If you generally avoid stain-inducing foods, you may be able to wait for a year or more to have another treatment.

Will the treatments damage the enamel?

Several studies involving common substances used for teeth whitening procedures in dentistry in Rochester Hills, MI, show there is no damage to the enamel surface or the hardness or mineral content of teeth.

Does teeth whitening affect dental restorations?

In the studies referenced above, no damage to restorations or implants was observed either. However, teeth whitening processes will not lighten bridges, veneers, crowns, or fillings that are tooth-colored. You may need to have highly visible restorations re-done to match your newly lightened teeth.

Are results immediate?

It depends on the process you prefer. With Zoom! In-Office Whitening, for example, results are typically immediate. The take-home kits and options we offer are more gradual, but they can produce noticeable results when used as directed.

Are teeth whitening procedures covered by insurance?

Typically, the answer is no. However, we offer several options with teeth whitening. Therefore, we can direct you towards a solution appropriate for your budget.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable staff!

More Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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