There are a few teeth whitening procedures available that correct
discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work
effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your
objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be
discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and a they will recommend the most appropriate teeth
whitening procedure for you.
BRITESMILE TEETH WHITENING (In-Office)
Using a specail light with a whitening gel,
this is an in-office bleaching system. It is often followed up with an at-home bleaching
kit if needed.
The translucent bleaching gel is applied to
the teeth and a specail activating light source is used to activate the crystals to absorb
the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect
on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of
discoloration you have, but two hours is common.
Advantage: One visit is
usually all it takes for a bright smile. The tooth whitening treatment typically costs
$600.
Disadvantage: The sudden
change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately.
LASER BLEACHING
(In-Office)
Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an
in-office bleaching system.
The translucent bleaching gel is applied to
the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the
light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The
length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you
have.
Advantage: One visit is
usually all it takes for a bright smile.
Disadvantage: The sudden
change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately. This is the more
expensive of the procedures available, but also the quickest.
LASER BLEACHING
(In-Office)
Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an
in-office bleaching system.
The translucent bleaching gel is applied to
the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the
light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The
length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you
have.
Advantage: One visit is
usually all it takes for a bright smile.
Disadvantage: The sudden
change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately. This is the more
expensive of the procedures available, but also the quickest.
CUSTOM FIT TRAY
BLEACHING (In-Home)
A custom fitted tray is worn over your teeth.
A small amount of the bleaching gel is placed in the tray and worn for a brief amount of
time each day. This is the most common technique because it's easy to use and costs less.
Impressions are taken of your mouth and a thin custom made plastic tray is made which you
take home and wear for about one to two hours per day. While some results may be seen in a
couple days, it usually takes one to two weeks to see the full whitening of your teeth.
This procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with the in-office laser bleaching if you
have severe discoloration (dark grey or purple) or internal teeth staining.
Advantage: A gradual
whitening of your teeth over time will be less noticeable to others that you're undergoing
this procedure. The cost is relatively low.
Disadvantages: This procedure
will require two to four visits to the cosmetic dentists office.
Next: Tray
procedure for teeth bleaching
- Introduction to teeth whitening
section
- How white can your teeth become?
- What causes your teeth to become discolored?
- Procedure description: Teeth whitening
- Typical cost of teeth whitening procedures
- Types of teeth whitening available
- The tray bleaching procedure to
whiten your teeth
- How much does tray teeth bleaching
cost?
- Laser teeth whitening
- How much does laser teeth whitening cost?
- Pros & cons of whitening your teeth
- Before and after photos - teeth whitening
- Personal experiences of teeth whitening patients
- Discuss teeth whitening in our discussion area
  
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