There are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
The first professional option is commonly referred to as in-office whitening. This procedure is performed in a dental office. During your appointment, we will create a protective barrier for your gums, lips, and cheeks. This way we are able to apply a significantly stronger concentration of whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. We monitor your comfort level while you can sit back and catch up on your favorite TV series. The Phillips Zoom Whitening System with Blue LED technology will be used throughout your appointment. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes and you will be able to see results immediately. At Dental Creations of Daytona Beach, we want you to experience the long-lasting effects of this treatment so we include a complimentary custom fitting at home whitening tray so you can touch up over the years at your convenience!
Whitening for Tetracycline Staining
We are proud to offer an option for patients who have been told for many years that crowns and extensive restorations were their only option for a brighter smile. The KöR ULTRA-T Whitening System is specifically developed to deliver truly exceptional results on cases of tetracycline staining that were once thought to be untreatable. This treatment consists of 2 in-office visits and eight weeks of material for you to use at home. While it does require compliance on your part, we have seen incredible results with no crowns or veneers needed!
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Tray bleaching is a type of professional whitening that uses custom-made trays and whitening gel only available through your dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxyradicals help whiten stained teeth. Unlike strips, this process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes ten to 14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days. At-home whitening allows for a greater degree of flexibility when it comes to sensitivity and final result. By being on your own schedule, you are able to slow down the process if you have a history of sensitive teeth.
Teeth-Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. Whitening strip kits come with two types of strips: strips for the upper teeth and strips for the lower teeth. The whitening agent is applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips to ensure contact with all your teeth. Teeth-whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day. The duration of treatment will vary. We hear positive feedback with strips from our patients who have significant 'extrinsic' staining such as coffee or red wine stains.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
The least expensive options are whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. Designed to have “whitening” capabilities, toothpastes and mouthwashes work to remove surface stains using mild abrasives. However, unlike the materials used in professional whitening procedures, these products do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes affect surface stains and will mildly lighten your teeth.
If you would like to learn more about teeth whitening, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.