Yes. Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for teeth and gums.

The most common side effect is transient (1-2 days) tooth sensitivity. Your dentist is your best resource to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening and that you are using the right concentration of the whitening formula. At-home whitening products have two mild desensitizing agents, potassium nitrate or Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP), to minimize tooth sensitivity.

Over-the-counter whitening products are not customized to your needs. With take-home whitening, the whitening process is tailored to your needs by your dentist, with custom-fitted trays for at-home treatments or just the right light intensity and duration in the dentist’s office.

There are many causes of tooth discoloration. Some of the most common include the consumption of highly colored foods and drinks (berries, coffee, tea, red wine). Some medications, aging, smoking, and trauma can also cause teeth discoloration.

With all in-office systems, your teeth will be visibly whiter in one day. The procedure generally achieves up to five to eight shades of whiter teeth in just 1 hour. With Take home systems, when used as instructed, you will achieve the same great results in one-two weeks, depending on the concentration of formulation and wear time you select.

Dearfield Family Dentistry has a routine diagnostic radiograph policy based on the guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association; a full mouth series every 3 to 5 years, 4 bitewings, and 3 periapical radiographs once a year. These X-rays are necessary for providing appropriate clinical diagnosis and treatment, identifying possible decay (cavities), infection, fractured teeth, bone loss due to gum disease, and pathology. Without periodic radiographs, we cannot identify and disclose any potential problems, which could lead to serious jaw infections, tooth loss, and bone destruction leading to potential jaw fractures. There are no other alternatives to dental radiographs at this time.

Radiation doses from dental radiographs are minimal and all necessary precautions are taken. Dearfield Family Dentistry is equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging radiographs with minimal exposure, and we use appropriate measures such as lead apron, and collar, to ensure exposure is reduced.