Professional Whitening Methods

Professional whitening uses high-concentration bleaching gels that aren’t available over the counter. These stronger formulations can achieve more significant results in less time, ensuring a brighter smile while minimizing the risk of damage to your teeth and gums.

In-Office Whitening

This technique provides the fastest results using the most powerful whitening solutions. We start by covering your gums and tooth-root surfaces with a protective barrier for safety. A thin plastic device called a retractor holds your lips and cheeks away from your teeth while we apply a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel, leaving it on for about an hour. The results are usually immediately noticeable once the gel is removed.

Take-Home Whitening

This method is another effective way to whiten your teeth, but it requires more involvement on your part, and achieving your desired level of whiteness may take several weeks. We begin by taking a mold of your teeth to create two custom-made thin, flexible plastic mouth trays—one for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and position them over your teeth, typically leaving them in for about an hour at a time.

Caring for Your Whitened Smile

To ensure your whitening results last as long as possible, there are several steps you can take, which may vary from person to person (lasting anywhere from six months to two years or even longer). First, maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine every day and keep up with your professional hygiene services at the dental office. Avoid foods and beverages that are known to stain, such as red wine, tea, and coffee. If you smoke, consider using your newly whitened teeth as motivation to quit, which is beneficial for your overall health as well. Additionally, a minor touch-up every so often, either at home or at the dental office, can help keep your smile bright and beautiful for years to come.