Today, society is more conscious than ever before of the aesthetic value of our smiles. In addition to cosmetic dental restorations, teeth whitening is a popular method of improving those smiles. If yellow or stained teeth are keeping you from looking your best, bleaching - a safe, quick process that whitens your teeth - could quickly put a brighter smile in your life.

Today's clinicians offer many options to patients desiring whiter teeth. Because of this, consumers often get confused by the choices, not to mention their applications. At Foster Family Dentistry, we make it simple by choosing to promote at-home whitening over the more concentrated in-office products. Our in-home whitening method, Nite-White, by Discus Dental, is safe, effective, convenient for patients with busy schedules, and very simple to manage. The result has been years of satisfied patients.

The Whitening Process

The process for tooth whitening is straight-forward, beginning with a brief examination by the doctor to ensure that your teeth are clean and free of decay and gum disease. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and customized trays are made. On your next visit, you are given your trays and the bleaching gel.

There is often much confusion as to the length of time required to bleach your teeth. Current studies on whitening products by Clinical Research Associates indicates that whitening agents release 50% of their active ingredients within the first 20 to 30 minutes after the trays are inserted and that maximum whitening will take place in 30 to 60 minutes. Many patients are misguided and instructed to whiten for longer periods of time or even overnight. This will often increase tooth sensitivity resulting in patient dissatisfaction and often discontinuing the bleaching process.

Foster Family Dentistry suggests wearing the whitening trays for no more than one hour per day. The patient can even choose to whiten more slowly by bleaching only every other day or at their convenience.

You will need to brush and/or floss your teeth before inserting the whitening trays. Also, you won't be able to eat or drink while you have the trays in your mouth and you will want to rinse your mouth out well after bleaching. It is best to avoid citrus fruits and other acidic foods during the whitening process, since they tend to make your teeth more sensitive. A flouride gel can be brushed onto your teeth, or even put into your tray for use between bleaching sessions to also help decrease sensitivity.

Once your teeth are whiter, you can help keep them white by avoiding smoking and food and liquids that stain (red wine, tea, coffee, berries, etc.). You may also request touch-up treatments from time to time to maintain your optimum bright smile.

As you consider tooth whitening for yourself, don't forget that whitening makes a wonderful gift for your spouse, children or friends!

If you have any questions about whitening or would like to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (512) 782-8002.