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Atlanta GA 30327

Vital And Non-Vital Teeth Whitening

Considering Teeth Whitening In Atlanta?

Non-vital teeth whitening patients at Atlanta Smiles & Wellness If your smile isn’t as bright as it once was, you have probably considered teeth whitening. Most everyone has experienced some tooth discoloration in their life, ranging from slight yellowing to dark brown. Often, discoloration is caused by things that you eat and drink. However, it can also be due to the treatment of the root of your tooth. There are two main types of Atlanta teeth whitening. They are called Non-Vital whitening and Vital whitening.

Non-Vital Teeth Whitening

Non-Vital whitening refers to the color correction of a tooth that has had a root canal. The term “non-vital” refers to the fact that the tooth is essentially dead. After receiving the root canal, the pulp inside of the tooth can start to darken. In order to whiten that tooth, the dentist must insert the whitening agent directly inside of the tooth. This is commonly done by drilling into the tooth and using the drilled hole to inject that bleaching agent. Most patients see a difference in a few days, though for others it may take a little longer. Once the tooth is the desired shade of white, the dentist then removes the whitening agent from the inside of the tooth. The tooth is sealed off using dental composite material.

Vital Teeth Whitening

Vital whitening is a more common procedure for teeth whitening. It refers to the color correction of teeth with stained enamel. Gel whitening solutions are the most common way to whiten the enamel of the teeth. Though they make gel kits to use at home, in-office whitening can yield much more dramatic results. For in-office procedures, the gums will be treated with a protective agent. Once the gums are covered, the bleaching agent is applied to the teeth. Depending on the type of active ingredient, light is used to activate the gel through heat or illumination. The length of time your teeth will set under the light depends on the gel and how discolored the teeth are. This timeframe is usually between 30 and 90 minutes.

What Happens Next?

Once your session is complete, the dentist will talk to you about next steps. If your teeth are moderately discolored, you may need 1 or 2 additional treatments. If they are badly discolored, you may be given a whitening kit to use at home in addition to the in-office treatments.

About Atlanta Smiles

Welcome To Our Atlanta Dentist Office

Dr. Dina Giesler and her team at Atlanta Smiles view comprehensive dentistry as a life-long commitment to your health, appearance and self-image. One element of our comprehensive care is cosmetic dentistry. We are passionate about enhancing your beautiful smile, and are highly skilled in every space of cosmetics, including veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, invisible orthodontic aligners, braces and tooth-colored fillings.