Tooth Whitening

Many patients notice that their teeth aren't "as white as they used to be." Over time, teeth commonly turn a shade of yellow. This can be due to many factors including diet, smoking, coffee, tea, colas, wine, etc. Fortunately, there is an easy solution. "Home bleaching" is a very popular cosmetic procedure. It is a simple and effective method to whiten natural teeth. Most people, after two weeks of treatment, will see dramatic results. Bleaching is an effective and economical way to achieve a remarkably improved smile. It should be noted that existing fillings, bondings, or crowns will not change color and may need to be replaced to match your new, whiter teeth.

There are several approved ways to whiten your teeth, all of which are effective, but to varying degrees.

The "over-the-counter" products, such as strips and gels, use the same ingredients as dentists use, but in a lower concentration and with a less effective delivery system.

Tray bleaching is a procedure in which molds are taken of your teeth and custom trays are formed. A higher concentration of whitening gel is used. Dr. Gibree has chosen treswhite for tray whitening.  Treswhite is the most powerful whitening take-home product available.  Because it contains such a high concentration of peroxide, results are achieved rapidly. Treswhite is also safe.  The treswhite trays are pre-loaded with two specific gels.  A whitening gel is loaded along the bottom of the tray for whitening the teeth and a barrier gel is loaded along the gumline for protecting the gums and to keep the whitening gel on the teeth. Treswhite only has to be used for 30 minutes a day.

"Laser" bleaching is for those who want immediate gratification. A protective barrier is placed and peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. A "laser" light source activates the solution, so that after about one hour, you walk out looking like a movie star with whiter teeth.

Tooth whitening will improve the appearance of the teeth, but will not change their overall contour. It will also not change the color of existing crowns or fillings.