How can you brighten your smile?

Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. the desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. the most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

Is Bleaching For You?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, Dr. Fung may discourage bleaching.

What's Involved?

First, Dr. Fung will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would provide the best results.

If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. Dr. Fung will use an in-office bleaching system while you sit in the dental chair. you may also choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the same results.

If you choose at-home teeth whitening, impressions will be made of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing your mouthguard. along with the mouthguard, you'll receive the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on how to wear the mouthguard. If you choose the in-office whitening system, you will also receive the whitening mouthguards to use monthly.