Name: Comfort Smiles Of Ann Arbor
Address: 760 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, US
Telephone: (734) 996-9966

teeth whitening at comfort smiles of Ann Arbor

Professional Teeth Whitening in Ann Arbor, MI

Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world today. Unlike home-use systems that incorporate low-dose bleaching agents, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel–yielding results that are visible immediately. Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white, and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone.

When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. Thinking about teeth whitening? Get the facts first.

Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process.

1. Why Did My Teeth Change Color?

Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for several reasons:

Food and Drink

Coffee, tea, and red wine are some major staining culprits. What do they have in common? Intense color pigments called chromogens attach to the white, outer part of your tooth (enamel).

Tobacco Use

Two chemicals found in tobacco create stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.

Age

Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing, and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.

Trauma

If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may change color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.

Medications

Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life. Chemotherapy and head & neck radiation can also darken teeth.

2. How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth Whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the colorless concentrated and your teeth brighter.

3. Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.

4. What Are My Whitening Options?

Talk to your dentist before starting. If you are a candidate, there are three ways to put the shine back on your smile:

Whitening Toothpaste

All toothpaste helps remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Look for the ADA Seal for a safe whitening toothpaste that has special chemical or polishing agents to provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these types of ADA-accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

In-Office Bleaching

This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

Visit Comfort Smiles of Ann Arbor to avail the best teeth whitening services. Call us at (734) 996-9966 to schedule an appointment now.

At-Home Bleaching

Peroxide-containing whiteners bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. You may also use a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. Read the ADA’s Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products.

5. Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay treatment, and then try again. Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and talk to your dentist.

Professional Options:

Opalescence in Office Boost

Praised for the viscosity of its bleaching gel – a sticky quality that is considered a major plus in tooth-bleaching – Opalescence Boost relies on chemistry to achieve its effects and does not include the use of a special light activator. Its 38 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide gel contains a unique patented component called PF, a mix of potassium nitrate (reducing the risk of sensitivity) and fluoride (the enamel-strengthener which reduces the risk of cavities). Total chair time: One to two hours. Cost: Please enquire at our office https://www.opalescence.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits

For longer-term results and repeated gentle use professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

Teeth Whitening