828 NE A St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening can reverse stains caused by smoking, drinking beverages like coffee, and even yellowing caused by the natural aging process. It works by using chemicals called “peroxides.” The two most commonly-used peroxides are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
When they're applied to the teeth, these volatile chemicals contact organic stains on your teeth and snap the bonds that attach them to your enamel. This, in turn, “bleaches” the enamel, restoring its white color and enhancing your smile. To learn more and see if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening at A Street Dental, contact us for a consultation.
More About Teeth Whitening
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is a great choice if you’re looking to whiten your teeth fast. The process only takes about an hour, and leaves you with a smile that’s much brighter.
To begin, Dr. Anderson will clean your teeth and then protect your gums, tongue, and cheeks from the whitener. Then, he will apply a coat of whitener, use a UV light to activate it, and then leave it in place for a few minutes. After that, he’ll rinse away the whitener and repeat this process until your teeth have reached the desired brightness.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening takes longer, but it’s a great option if you want to treat yourself at home. First, you’ll come into our office for a quick visit with Dr. Anderson. He’ll take impressions of your teeth and send these to a dental lab, where a set of custom-fitted whitening trays will be made.
Once your trays arrive at A Street Dental, you’ll come back to pick them up. You’ll also get a set of whitening products and instructions from Dr. Anderson. Just follow these instructions to whiten your teeth at home. Most patients whiten their teeth for about an hour each day for 2-3 weeks.