A radiant smile does more than showcase happiness. Research demonstrates that smiling has numerous psychological and physical benefits. People who smile are more approachable, have better relationships, are more productive, and feel better physically. However, many people hide their smiles because they’re unhappy with how the appearance of their teeth. If you want your smile to better reflect your inner radiance, professional teeth whitening can help.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is designed to remove stains and discolorations to enhance your natural smile. This cosmetic procedure is safe and generally pain-free. Professional teeth whitening employs bleaching agents to effectively target intrinsic and extrinsic stains. While most adults with good oral health are suitable candidates for this treatment, it’s important to note that existing dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, are unaffected by whitening products.
At Chase Family Dentistry, we provide two professional bleaching options: an in-office treatment and a take-home tray system.
In-Office Whitening Treatment
A professional in-office whitening treatment is the fastest and most effective way to revitalize your smile. Our in-office teeth whitening takes about an hour and is ideal for those seeking immediate results. Dr. Clayton will first apply a protective gel to your gums, screening the soft tissue. Next, she will apply a light-activated peroxide gel directly to the enamel. A specialized dental laser activates and accelerates the whitening agent to enhance the bleaching process. Before you leave, we’ll take impressions of your teeth. These allow us to create custom trays that you can use at home for touch-ups.
Take-Home Tray Whitening
If you’d rather complete your whitening treatment at home, we also offer at-home whitening kits. While this method is convenient and less expensive, it will take longer to achieve the desired results. We start by taking an impression of your mouth, which is used to make custom-fit trays. Once your trays are made, Dr. Clayton will show you how to apply the bleaching material to them.
The gel trays should be worn for 30-60 minutes, no more than twice daily. At the end of the process, you’ll have a brilliant new smile. Your at-home trays can also be reused to maintain your new smile whenever you notice dullness.
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
While over-the-counter whitening products are readily available and may seem convenient, they lack the effectiveness and customization of professional treatments. Without the guidance of a dental expert like Dr. Clayton, off-the-shelf kits can also neglect crucial aspects of oral health.
Customization is another significant advantage of professional whitening. The generic trays and strips found in over-the-counter kits are designed to fit everyone, which often means they fit no one perfectly. This can result in patchy whitening, where some areas of your teeth get more treatment than others, or even damage to your gums if the whitening agent comes into contact with them. In contrast, the custom trays provided by dental professionals are precisely molded to your teeth. This ensures even coverage of the whitening agent, leading to uniform results and a reduced risk of gum irritation or damage to your enamel.
Additionally, the effectiveness and speed of professional treatments are superior. Store-bought products typically have lower concentrations of whitening agents, which means they take longer to show results, and their results are often less noticeable. Professional treatments use stronger bleaching agents under controlled conditions, offering noticeable results in a shorter time frame. This means a quicker transformation of your smile and less time exposing your teeth and gums to whitening gel.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Procedure Today
If you’re unhappy with your smile and want to make a significant change quickly, professional teeth whitening is a remarkable solution. We invite you to contact Chase Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Clayton and her experienced, knowledgeable team are committed to helping you achieve your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is considered perfectly safe if done by a professional. If opting for an over-the-counter product, make sure it’s approved by the American Dental Association. While patients may experience some sensitivity in the days following their teeth whitening procedure, it typically resolves quickly.
How long will teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, but you can extend the life of your whitening results with proper care. Good dental hygiene, including consistent brushing and flossing, will help keep your smile radiant. Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks (such as coffee, red wine, soda, dark berries, and dark sauces) can also prolong your whitening results.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost of teeth whitening will depend on whether you select in-office whitening treatment or opt for a take-home kit. A breakdown of the procedure costs will be provided at your consultation with Dr. Clayton so that you can make an informed choice.
