Teeth Whitening
OPALESCENCE BOOST TEETH WHITENING
Unhappy with the color of your teeth? Let Stroudsburg Family Dental brighten your smile! We use Opalescence Boost, a chemically activated power whitening gel that provides brighter, whiter teeth after just 40 minutes in the dental chair. The powerful 40% hydrogen peroxide gel is chemically activated, so it doesn’t require a hot, uncomfortable light to work. Using the unique double-syringe configuration, the clinician activates the 40% hydrogen peroxide formula just prior to application, ensuring every dose of Opalescence Boost is fresh and effective.
Q: ARE TAKE-HOME WHITENING KITS AVAILABLE AT STROUDSBURG FAMILY DENTAL?
No, we perform in-office whitening only. We do not offer take-home whitening kits as there is no way to monitor patient compliance. We want all of our patients to fully enjoy a brighter whiter smile within minutes!
Q: HOW DOES THE IN-OFFICE WHITENING PROCESS WORK?
The whitening process is possible due to the ability of the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to freely pass through enamel and dentin and to permeate to all parts of the tooth. These peroxides break down into oxygen radicals, which migrate between the enamel prisms, breaking down any colored molecules that result in tooth discoloration. The structure of the tooth is not altered; the internal tooth color is simply made lighter. Whitening agents break down into tiny molecules and move in all directions, so even if the entire tooth is not covered with gel, the entire tooth is whitened. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of peroxides in whitening teeth. Enamel, dentin, existing fillings, and bonding materials are not harmed by the whitening materials.
Q: WILL WHITENING AFFECT BOND STRENGTH?
Even though whitening agents release a great amount of oxygen into the tooth, existing bonds are not weakened. If whitening before bonding, allow a period of 7–10 days after whitening. The high concentration of oxygen in the tooth could significantly and adversely affect polymerization of the resins.
Q: HOW LONG DO WHITENING RESULTS LAST?
Whitening results are very stable, but depending on your nutrition and lifestyle habits, the procedure may need to be redone periodically. Factors like smoking and drinking coffee, tea, or wine can gradually reverse the effects of your in-office whitening session.
Q: WILL WHITENING CAUSE TOOTH SENSITIVITY?
Tooth sensitivity is a relatively common side effect of whitening. If sensitivity occurs, it is transient and disappears after the completion of the whitening procedure. However, most Opalescence products include PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride) desensitizing agents for additional comfort. Findings have confirmed that the potassium nitrate and fluoride actually help to reduce cavities, minimize sensitivity, increase enamel hardness, and improve the overall health of the teeth. Research has shown that just as hydrogen peroxide penetrates through the enamel and dentin to the pulp, so does potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate acts more like an analgesic or anesthetic by keeping the nerve from repolarizing after it has depolarized in the pain cycle. Fluoride acts primarily as a tubule blocker, plugging the holes and slowing down the fluid flow that causes the sensitivity.
Q: WILL BLEACHING WEAKEN THE TOOTH'S ENAMEL?
Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.