What is In-Office Whitening?
In-office teeth whitening is exactly what is sounds like: instead of wrestling with over-the-counter kits, patients can receive more targeted and reliable treatment in-office with their dental care provider.
Your whitening treatment is also discussed right here in our comfortable office. You’ll be able to speak with Dr. G one-on-one about the treatment and what additional steps to take when you get home. We also want to ensure that your teeth don’t become extra sensitive as a result of the whitening treatment, which is apt to happen with some patients.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
When you don’t consult with Dr. G about the teeth whitening treatment you’re interested in, you could run the risk of using it incorrectly or not seeing the results you expected. Whitening toothpastes can only remove surface stains and tend to brighten minimally. But it most likely will do little to remove hard stains that have set into the enamel. Whitening gel strips are another option commonly found in stores. These strips are stuck to your teeth with an adhesive and are left on for a few hours or so. These strips can cause multiple problems if you are not very careful. The material can irritate or burn your gums and if it is not applied correctly, any whitening effect can be uneven. It can also take 10 days or more to see a difference.
Advantages of In-Office Whitening
No other teeth whitening procedure produces faster results and in-office whitening is the safest form of tooth bleaching. Gum and tooth sensitivity (formerly drawbacks to in-office bleaching) are more controllable today due to thicker peroxide gels (that don’t soak into the teeth as much as previous gels) and the use of natural agents that help make your teeth less sensitive.
Stains That are Best Removed with In-Office Whitening
Chairside whitening removes organic stains or discolorations, for example caused by aging. Over time, the teeth darken with a yellow, brown, green or grey cast (which may be due to heredity and/or eating habits). Yellowed teeth tend to whiten most readily. Consumption of certain foods (notably coffee, red wine, sodas and dark-colored vegetables and fruits) or tobacco use will stain the teeth. In-office whitening is the best remedy to achieve excellent and long lasting results.
Deep Bleaching
Deep Bleaching is not a teeth-whitening brand, but rather a multi-phase protocol involving a reversal of the usual chairside bleaching, followed by home bleaching. This technique has a reputation for whitening even the most difficult stains (due to tetracycline or fluorosis, for example) and for maintaining optimally whitened teeth over the long haul. Professional solutions used by Dr. G are typically stronger than those in over-the-counter kits, so your teeth may whiten more quickly. He can also make sure that sensitive gums don’t get irritated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for teeth and gums.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect is tooth and gum sensitivity. Dr. G is your best resource to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening and that you are using the right concentration of whitening formula.
What’s the difference between over-the-counter whitening solutions and professional teeth whitening?
Over-the-counter whitening products are not customized to your needs. With a professional treatment, the whitening process is tailored to your needs by Dr. G, with custom-fitted trays for at-home treatments or just the right light intensity and duration in our office.
How long will my professional whitening results last?
Whitening treatments help to reduce existing stains, but through consumption of coffee, soft drinks or just through natural aging, your teeth may eventually become discolored again. Maintenance whitening can help combat recurring discoloration.
What causes teeth to discolor?
There are many causes to tooth discoloration. Some of the most common include the consumption highly colored foods and drinks (berries, coffee, tea, red wine). Some medications, aging, smoking and trauma can also cause teeth discoloration.
How long does it take?
With a professional whitening treatment on our office, your teeth will be visibly whiter in one day. With the in-office procedure, you will achieve up to eight shades whiter in 2 twenty-minute sessions. With dental-grade at-home products, when used as instructed, you may achieve the same results but in one to two weeks, depending on concentration of formulation and wear time.
