In-Office Teeth Whitening
For in-office whitening, we use Opalescence™ Boost™, a professional whitening system containing 40% hydrogen peroxide.
Unlike some whitening systems, Opalescence Boost does not require a whitening light or laser.
Before applying the whitening material, we carefully isolate and protect the gum tissue.
The whitening gel is then placed on the teeth in controlled applications and thoroughly removed between applications.
A typical appointment may include two 20-minute applications, although the number and length of applications can be adjusted based on your teeth, sensitivity, and desired result.
If you have significant plaque, tartar, or surface staining, we may recommend completing a professional dental cleaning before your whitening appointment.
Custom Take-Home Whitening
We also offer professional take-home whitening using custom-made whitening trays.
We take impressions or digital records of your teeth and fabricate trays designed specifically for your smile.
You can then use professional whitening gel at home according to the instructions we provide.
Take-home whitening can be used as your primary whitening treatment or to maintain the results of an in-office whitening procedure.
For patients starting with take-home whitening alone, treatment is generally performed consistently over a period of days or weeks, depending on the whitening product and concentration selected.
Once you have reached the shade you like, your custom trays can also be used periodically for touch-ups.
Why Do Teeth Become Stained Again?
Whitening is not permanent.
Natural teeth can gradually become darker or stained from coffee, tea, red wine, certain foods, tobacco, and the normal aging process.
How frequently you need a whitening touch-up depends on your diet, habits, starting tooth color, and personal preferences.
We can help you determine an appropriate maintenance schedule rather than unnecessarily over-whitening your teeth.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
There is no single schedule that is appropriate for everyone.
Some patients maintain their results for a long time, while others prefer occasional touch-ups.
If you already have custom whitening trays, a short course of at-home whitening may be all that is needed.
We will recommend a schedule based on your teeth and the whitening product you are using.
How much lighter will my teeth become after in-office whitening?
Results vary from patient to patient.
Many patients notice a significant improvement after professional whitening, but the amount of shade change depends on your natural tooth color and the type of discoloration present.
Yellow and externally stained teeth often respond very well.
Some gray, developmental, medication-related, or internal discolorations can be more resistant to whitening.
Can whitening change the color of my crowns or fillings?
No.
Whitening products lighten natural tooth structure, but they do not change the existing shade of porcelain crowns, veneers, bonding, or tooth-colored fillings.
This is especially important if you have restorations on your front teeth.
We may recommend whitening your natural teeth before replacing an esthetic restoration so the final shade can be matched appropriately.
Will my teeth be sensitive after whitening?
Temporary tooth sensitivity can occur after whitening, although the amount varies considerably from person to person.
If you are prone to sensitivity, let us know before treatment.
We can modify your whitening protocol and discuss desensitizing products to make the process more comfortable.
Should I whiten my teeth before getting a crown or veneer?
In many cases, yes.
If you are considering a crown, veneer, bonding, or another tooth-colored restoration in the front of your mouth and would also like whiter teeth, it often makes sense to complete whitening first.
Once your natural teeth reach a shade you are happy with, we can select the shade of the new restoration to match.
