Benefits Of A Brighter Smile

The greatest benefit to whitening is to truly make a difference in patients’ lives. There are so many whitening products to choose from but to offer minimally invasive, cost-effective, and efficient materials to provide our patients with the ability to improve their smiles, regardless of age or economic status. To fully implement tooth whitening, the practice must take a team-based approach and train all the clinical team on the procedures required for effectiveness and safety. With these systems in place, and when the best in material science is utilized, whitening can truly provide patients with life-changing results.

Whitening Treatment on the Rise
Teeth whitening seems to be on everyone’s wish list and this momentum is likely to continue, according to a quick poll of member dentists at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). AACD members performed an average of 77 whitening treatments last year, and 57% said they expect this number to rise. In our practice we have reduced its whitening fees, which has not only brought in more patients seeking whitening, but it’s also opened their eyes to other cosmetic dental treatments. “Our existing patients are say- ing ‘yes’ to other procedures after the whitening such as bonding, replacing amalgam fillings, and replacing porcelain restorations to match the whitening they have achieved. We have also been able to talk about malocclusion and Reline to those that want to whiten and straighten their teeth at the same time.




Comprehensive Oral Exam and Records
The dentist must first make an assessment as to whether the patient is an ideal candidate for bleaching. We suggest that the patient first undergo a thorough dental hygiene visit to remove extrinsic stain, calculus and plaque. During this initial visit, we can provide dental xrays, periodontal charting, digital photography and pre-operative study models for home-trays if needed. Before and After Whitening Photos are very important not only for the patient to see the where they started with their initial shade but also the final result.

Whitening Procedures
There are three basic types of whitening procedures our office offers they are as follows:
• In-Office (one hour whitening) with take-home trays
• Take-Home (custom tray whitening) Day or Evening wear
• Pre-Filled (disposable whitening trays)

Our take home disposable trays are pre-filled with a mint flavored hydrogen peroxide gel worn for one hour a day for up to seven days. Each set comes with an upper and lower tray that self-adheres to the tooth arches with just a pinch. This pre-filled tray is for teenagers and young adults that are looking for a lighter, brighter smile.

Fabrication for Whitening Trays
There are several materials to choose from when it comes to the im- pressions for the whitening trays. In my practice we use both polyvi- nyl and alginate. What is very important is the detail that is captured in that impression. The whitening tray must seat and fit properly. With choices really up to the patient, we offer several types of whitening in our practice. When discussing with the patient compliance, it is very important to help the patient to understand that this is an investment and we are not wanting to waste their time if they are not going to do it. In our practice we have nighttime wear and daytime wear.






In-Office Whitening 
In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. The Whitening Shop provides an in-office whitening treatment that consists of a 40% hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied for two (30) minute sessions without the use of a light. The patient is instructed after the in-office whitening to follow up the treatment with two weeks of take home whitening, 

Conclusion
Among the first characteristics people notice in others is the shade of their teeth and the whiteness of their smile. Visible differences in the shade of someone’s teeth detracts from their overall appearance. Not surprisingly, tooth whitening products and procedures are among the most commonly performed esthetic restorative treatments in modern dentistry.