Professional Teeth Whitening Colonial Heights, VA
Many products and techniques are available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile. 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 us about which options might be best for you.
How Do I Do At-Home Teeth Whitening?
Tray Whitening
Tray bleaching is a type of professional whitening that uses custom-made trays and whitening gel only available through a 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 14 days to reach your maximum results, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days.
Teeth-Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a 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 them to ensure contact with all your teeth. Teeth-whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes daily. The duration of treatment will vary.
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 or 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.
