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Tooth Whitening
Aptos, Watsonville, Capitola, and Santa Cruz, California Cosmetic Dentist
Tooth whitening is a painless and relatively inexpensive method of brightening your smile. Whitening methods available range in cost, time frame for results and effectiveness and should be chosen based on your individual needs. For tooth whitening in Santa Cruz, Terry W. Forsberg, DDS offers two reliable methods, BriteSmile and Nite or Day White.
- BriteSmile is an in-office teeth whitening system
- Nite or Day White are customized teeth whitening kits made from models of your teeth that are used at your home
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Most people start out their lives with white and bright teeth when their permanent ones come in at about age six or seven. The enamel surface of our teeth is what protects them from damaging activities such as:
- Grinding
- Gritting
- Chewing
- Foods and drinks that stain and cause decay
Unfortunately, as we grow older, the enamel that covers our teeth begins to show signs of wear. Under the outer enamel is dentin which becomes darker with time causing the teeth to darken. Staining foods and drinks, as well as certain antibiotics, also contribute to the discoloration of our teeth. This discoloring material slowly builds up and not only discolors our teeth, but gives them a very dull appearance too. Teeth whitening treatments are designed to combat these negative effects.
BriteSmile
BriteSmile is an in office treatment designed to whiten teeth in a gentle, safe and effective manner that is safe for tooth enamel, gums, skin and other soft tissues. The patented bright blue light that is used in the BriteSmile technology is designed to work with a whitening gel to safely and uniformly brighten your smile. There will be no exposure to heat or harmful UV light during your tooth whitening procedure.
Nite or Day White
Nite White is a custom designed, teeth whitening treatment that you can use in the comfort of your own home. It is a safe, fast and effective way to bleach the enamel of your teeth and lessen their discoloration.
Custom designed trays are assembled to wear over your own teeth either during the day or overnight. A mint flavored gel is inserted into the trays. The trays are worn similarly to a mouthguard or retainers. This teeth whitening method usually displays significant results in seven days.
The bleach used in Nite White is carbamide peroxide, known for its tooth whitening properties. If desired and recommended by Dr. Forsberg, there is a stronger concentration of the solution (22%) which can be placed in the trays and worn for only an hour at a time. This product is called Day White.
Whether you prefer to whiten your teeth in our office or in your own home, please contact Terry W. Forsberg, DDS to determine which tooth whitening procedure in Santa Cruz County, California will best suit your needs.