Tooth bleaching (tooth whitening) is one of the most popular services we offer -- and for good reason! Having a set of beautiful white teeth feels good, healthy, and inspires confidence. There are number of ways you can whiten your teeth, and we're going to discuss some of them below.
Limitations of dental whitening
Before we discuss the types of whitening, it's important that you understand that some people become very sensitive after whitening, and that your existing dental restorations such as crowns and white-fillings will not bleach.
At-home whitening
You can purchase many whitening products at the pharmacy including white strips and toothpastes. While these products are not nearly as effective as what we can offer you in the office, they are good items to try out in order to see if you can have some success making your teeth brighter. However, over the counter kits are one-size-fits-most, which means the gel does not always come into contact with your entire tooth. Gum bleaching or tissue burns are a common side effect from the gel spilling over the generic trays.
In-office whitening
We offer Zoom rapid whitening in our office, so you can have your teeth made many shades brighter in just a few hours. The advantage of this approach is that it's quick, and it works. The disadvantage is that this type of tooth bleaching doesn't always last as long as the next type of bleaching that we offer.
Take-home whitening
It requires the most time and the most effort, but take-home whitening is the best and most effective way to whiten your teeth. With this approach, we take molds of your teeth and make you trays that are customized to your teeth. Once the trays are ready, we provide you with professional-strength bleaching gel that you use at home daily for approximately 2 weeks (depending upon how dark your teeth are and what results you are looking to achieve).
What makes a professional home whitening kit more effective than something you can buy at the supermarket? Two things – a custom fit and prescription strength gel. These important factors give our patients the ability to enjoy results like:
- Deep Stain Removal
- Even Results
- Quicker Response Time
- Simple Maintenance
- Brighter Teeth
- No Gum Irritation
At Smile Symphony, we make custom fit trays that snap right over your teeth like a retainer. This keeps a small amount of prescription whitening gel next to your tooth for optimal, even results.
Wear your whitening trays for an hour a day, 10-14 days during your first treatment. Then touch up your whitening every 3 to 6 months for a few days to keep your teeth white for life.
Professional teeth whitening is very affordable, and all you need to get started is an impression. Ask us if teeth whitening is right for you during your next trip to Smile Symphony.
