Teeth darken over time from food, drink, medications, smoking, and aging. Bleaching is a safe way to enhance your appearance and create a more youthful smile.

There are many different ways to bleach your teeth from over-the-counter bleach (ex: Crest White Strips, Colgate, Rembrandt, etc.) to professional strength whitening agents in a dental office. All methods produce results; however, professional-grade products used by a dentist are proven to produce the whitest smiles. At The Medical Center Dental Group, we have found that a combination of in-office power whitening and home bleaching gives the best results.

Is bleaching for you?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for bleaching. Tooth whitening can whiten natural teeth, but will not change the color of fillings or crowns already in your mouth. These restorations may need to be replaced after whitening.

Some people may suffer from cold sensitivity related to gum recession. Usually we can work around this problem by covering the exposed root surfaces prior to bleaching. Premedicating with anti-inflammatory medications also helps to prevent sensitivity.

How does it work?
The Medical Center Dental Group's bleaching technique is effective because we lighten teeth over a two week period. This process includes a total of four hours of dental office bleaching and 10-14 days of home bleaching

We begin by doing a two-hour in-office procedure that results in an initial lightening of the teeth. During this visit we take impressions and make customized trays for you to use at home.

These trays are used for home bleaching every night over the next two weeks. You will be ask to refrain from consuming dark foods and drinks to maximize the bleaching process.

After the home bleaching, we bleach your teeth for two hours in our office again and then place a sealer on your teeth. It is now safe to resume consumption of stain-producing food and drink because your teeth are sealed.

Is it safe?
The American Dental Association has granted its Seal of Approval on bleaching. It is a safe process that will cause no harm to your teeth. However, you can expect to experience some slight sensitivity on your teeth and gums for a short time following tooth whitening.

	Directions for Bleaching with At-Home Trays
	Lumawhite Bleaching - Post Op Instructions