Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after whitening so they will match the newly whitened teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
In Office Whitening
In-office whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone wanting immediate results. Because the actual whitening procedure takes place in our office in under 2 hours, it is the perfect choice for busy individuals. In this process, a protective barrier is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A highly concentrated peroxide gel is then applied to your teeth with multiple applications. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. In most cases, the result is dramatically whiter teeth.
Tray Whitening or “At Home” Teeth Whitening
The second professional option is commonly called “take-home” or “at-home” whitening. Also known as “tray whitening,” at-home professional whitening is one of the most popular methods of achieving a brighter smile. Professional at-home whitening requires custom-made trays, and professionally dispensed whitening gel only available from a licensed dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxyradicals enter the tooth to naturally whiten the stains. Unlike strips, this process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes 3-4 weeks.
Crest Professional White Strips
Crest Professional White Strips are a professional strength whitening formula providing comfortable, convenient, and affordable tooth whitening. White strips contain the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use to get at stains beneath the surface of your teeth.
These flexible, virtually invisible strips only need to be worn for 30 minutes twice a day. You will receive a 28 day supply of white strips. These strips will conform to the shape of your teeth and whiten the teeth that show when you smile.