Teeth Whitening

 Ivy Dental in Sunnyvale, Texas is your number one destination for teeth whitening services. Our cosmetic dentistry professionals will make custom trays you can use at home to whiten your teeth and get the bright, healthy smile of your dreams.

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Why get your teeth whitened?

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure done in dental offices and through at-home home kits purchased in store or online. There are many reasons for its popularity, but one of the biggest is that whiter smiles increase self-confidence. People who successfully whiten their teeth smile more, feel better, and have higher self-esteem. This boost of confidence can help improve your professional life, your dating life, and your everyday interactions. Plus,  you won't just look better. Professional teeth whitening leaves your teeth cleaner and your mouth healthier.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear, plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

What causes tooth staining?

Our teeth are stained through everyday actions. Eating, drinking, and smoking can all stain your teeth. Some substances, such as coffee and wine, can cause noticeable stains faster than other substances. However,  other foods and beverages also cause staining and can build up over time. Daily brushing and flossing can remove and prevent some staining, but it's not enough to keep teeth completely white.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening uses a specialized dental gel to deep clean and whiten your teeth. The gel contains a very high amount of hydrogen peroxide. You'll receive custom trays that are molded to your teeth to use with this gel. The trays will hold the gel in place on your teeth and allow it to remove stains.

Bleaching vs Teeth Whitening: What is the difference?

You might have seen the terms "teeth bleaching" and "teeth whitening" used interchangeably, and it's very easy to confuse the two. However, they're not the same. Generally, teeth whitening refers to restoring your teeth to their natural shade by removing any stains. Teeth bleaching refers to using chemicals to make your teeth whiter than your natural tooth enamel.

Sunnyvale Teeth Whitening FAQ

 ●      Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist?

Professional teeth whitening at dental offices has several advantages over at-home products. One of the biggest advantages is that it is dependable. A professional dental teeth whitening will whiten your teeth and give you great results every time. At-home products don't offer that same dependability. There are some effective at-home whitening products, but there are also many ineffective at-home whitening products. Plus, some at-home products can be abrasive and cause damage to your teeth. Professional dental whitening is safe and always delivers great results. For many people, that's worth the additional cost.

●      How do dentists whiten teeth?

Dental whitening uses specialized dental solutions that contain high amounts of hydrogen peroxide. These solutions can safely and effectively whiten your teeth.

●    How much does teeth whitening cost?

The cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on the dentist you choose and your exact case. Teeth whitening isn't covered by dental insurance. However, at Ivy Dental, we offer financing through CareCredit or Sunbit to help you afford teeth whitening and other dental services.