Whitening

At-Home Whitening:

When controlled by Dentists, whitening with peroxide, is a reliable, safe and trusted method to whiten teeth. The dentist must first assess if the patient is a good candidate. The treatment is tailored to the individual patient's requirements. Pre-treatment shades are always taken prior to monitor performance.

At Home Whitening with Mouth Trays:

Custom mouth trays, which look like a thing transparent mouth guard, are made from impressions of the patient's mouth. The trays are filled with a whitening gel at home. This gel has properties that allow it to stay in contact with the teeth over a long period of time, without dissolving in the mouth. The gel filled trays are used 2-4 hours a day for about 2-4 weeks. This process is monitored once every month during the period the gel is used. Thus, three office appointments are required: impressions, delivery of the whitening kit with the trays, and a one-month follow-up.

The advantages of home whitening are that it can be performed when it is convenient for the patient and it is dispensed at relatively low cost. Some disadvantages include having to wear trays in the mouth, cold sensitivity, gum irritation, and possible ingestion. Fluoride gel treatment is available for cold sensitivity if required.

If home whitening is chosen, it will only be effective if the bleaching tray is worn consistently for the prescribed number of hours per day. If any discomfort or any other problems are encountered, contact the office immediately.

In-Office Whitening:

This process can be done in one visit or it may require multiple visits depending on how the teeth respond to the procedure. Pre-treatment shades are taken prior to monitor performance.

A protective paint on shield is placed over the gums in order to protect them from the bleaching gel. The gel is applied on the teeth and allowed to penetrate them. A 'blue light' is used to further activate the gel. Some advantages of in-office whitening include the dentist or hygienist/assistant is performing the procedure, not time is spent whitening at home, less or minimal ingestion of the gel, and less or minimal cold sensitivity or gum irritation. However, some disadvantages include office visits for possibly more than one appointment and the possibility of increased cost compared to home whitening.

We provide Zoom Whitening, as seen on Extreme Makeover

         Before                                                            After