Types of Teeth Whitening
Depending on your schedule and preferences, our dentists offer treatments that can be completed in minutes or days, removing up to 6-8 shades or more of discoloration. Both provide amazing results. The only difference is the amount of time required and how the product is applied.
In-Office (Same Day) Teeth Bleaching
ake years off your appearance in just an hour and a half with our same-day technology for whiter teeth. Chairside whitening uses a professional-grade gel that’s applied by our dentist then activated with a special light. The results are quickly oxidized stain particles that leave behind naturally brighter teeth.
Take-Home Systems
Traditional whitening systems use fitted trays that hug the contour of your teeth, maximizing the contact time with concentrated gel ingredients. The bleaching agent can only be purchased from our dentist's office, being that it’s professional-grade. Simply wear your trays as directed and see full results in just 10-14 days. Home whitening trays work well if you’re not in a rush, prefer to touch up throughout the year, or want to spread out applications for any reason.
Why Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
White teeth are the perfect template for a smile makeover. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry treatments, we typically suggest whitening your teeth first, so that additional therapies (such as veneers or bonding) can be matched to your brighter tooth enamel.
Treatment cost and total treatment time make this option an excellent investment for anyone looking for an affordable smile makeover, even without other aesthetic procedures.
We also recommend whitening services if you’re about to update older restorations, such as porcelain crowns or fillings. Since ceramic materials do not brighten when bleaching agents are applied, it’s best to whiten your teeth to the desired color before those restorations are placed. That way we can match your updated dental work to your brighter tooth enamel.
How to Keep Teeth White After Treatment
During the first two weeks of a whitener treatment, try to avoid anything that might stain a white shirt. Such as tea, coffee, red wine, or tomato sauce. When possible, opt for clear liquids instead of dark ones, rinse your mouth out with water after you eat, and drink through a straw.
If you’re using a take-home system, we recommend touching up your treatment for a few days in a row as needed. For some people, that’s after every checkup, while for others it’s every 3-4 months. When you need a refill of whitening gel, just stop by our cosmetic dentistry practice. Your trays can last for years, so be sure to store them appropriately.
Is Whitening Right for Me?
Always check with our dentists before using a method to whiten your teeth. Since certain agents shouldn’t be applied to certain teeth, a dental exam is an important first step. We’ll screen for areas of tooth decay, gum disease, and existing restorations (such as white fillings) that may stand out if you apply a bleaching gel. Once you get the go-ahead, you can book an appointment for in-office procedures for whitening or get impressions for your custom trays.