Teeth Whitening

Having an attractive smile is your best accessory!

Many teeth whitening systems and products are available, including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products obtained from a dentist. Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Ask us to see if teeth whitening is right for you!

Whitening Systems

Whitening Toothpastes

All toothpastes help remove surface stains, because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that helps lighten the color deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpastes can lighten the tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about four months.

In our office we use Sheer White Strips; professional strength whitening strips. They are 80% more effective than over the counter products.

Whitening Rinses

Among the newest whitening products available are whitening rinses. Like most mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque and gum disease. But these products also include ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, which whiten teeth. Manufacturers say it may take 12 weeks to see results. You just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth. However, experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products. Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the teeth for such a short time -- just two minutes a day compared to 30 minutes for many strips -- it may have less of an effect.

Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution -- which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a period of time, generally from a couple of hours a day to every day during the night for up to four weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening).

We make custom fit trays that prevent the gel from touching the gum tissue. They can be used for years, with updating the gel as needed. This is the most effective whitening system for long term use.

In-Office Whitening

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment. But to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed. This type of whitening is also the most expensive technique. It is usually followed by the use of trays, as results are short term.

Whitening Watch List:

• Always consult your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening products. When used incorrectly, at-home methods can cause harm to your teeth, gums and mouth.
• Whitening results will vary by person.
• Whiteners might not brighten all types of discoloration. While yellowish teeth will likely bleach well, teeth that have been stained brown or gray often don't.
• Whitening won't work on bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in the front of your teeth. The whitener will not brighten these materials and "will stand out in your newly whitened smile," the ADA says.
• A professional whitening tray is your best choice if you're particularly sensitive to bleaching or cold beverages.
• Over-bleaching can cause a bluish hue, chalky whiteness and/or uneven results sometimes called "the Technicolor effect." To prevent this, follow directions precisely and don't go overboard.