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Teeth Whitening in South Hamilton
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 with us to talk about your teeth whitening options and the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
What are my in-office teeth whitening options in South Hamilton?
The first professional option is commonly referred to as in-office whitening. This procedure is performed in our South Hamilton dental office. During your appointment, a member of our dental team will apply a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 2 hours and you will be able to see results immediately.
What at-home teeth whitening options can Hamilton Dentistry offer me?
Tray 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.
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.
Paint-On Teeth Whiteners
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options, and one type of readily accessible whitening products is commonly referred to as a “paint-on” teeth whitener. Paint-on whiteners can be purchased over-the-counter and generally are less expensive and less effective than whitening strips or professional options. Paint-on teeth whiteners consist of a gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush. Paint-on whitening gel hardens into a film that coats the teeth, and dissolves in the mouth.
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.
Hamilton Dentistry Home Whitening Protocol
The Pola treatment is a take home kit to be applied to your teeth in the comfort of your own home with customized trays.
The following are some suggestions to help maximize the results of your whitening efforts.
During the time you are whitening, and for 48 hours after, avoid or minimize:
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Smoking, highly colored foods (red sauce, blueberries, etc.) and dark beverages (coffee, tea, etc.) – basically anything that would stain a white shirt.
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Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur. This usually passes within 1-2 days. If sensitivity is severe or persists, contact our office.
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If you experience gum sensitivity do not brush the afflicted area while brushing your teeth. The area will heal quickly. Call us with any questions. 978-468-4411.
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Immediate whitening results can be quite dramatic due to minor dehydration of your teeth. It is normal for the color to tone down somewhat after treatment when your teeth rehydrate to a natural white tone.
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Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on the original shade of your teeth and include habits such as smoking or drinking colored beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, etc.)
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Existing fillings, crowns, bonding, etc. will not whiten. Therefore, these may need to be changed in order to match your new smile.
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If your family or friends notice your new smile, let them know that we can help improve their smile too!
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We recommend using the whitening material once a day for as many consecutive days as possible to get the best results. Most patients are very happy with the result after 10-14 days. Amount of material used for each application varies by individual and is affected by tooth size and number of teeth applied, and therefor the number of days a kit lasts varies from person to person. Typically, a starter kit lasts 10-14 days.
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*Whitening is not a once on a lifetime event - your results will fade over time. How long whitening lasts varies between each individual and depends on a number of factors, including: age, starting tooth shade, history of trauma to teeth, diet, oral hygiene, and smoking.
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*We recommend maintaining your whitening results with a touch up syringe minimally once every 6 months. Whitening is most effective after having your teeth professionally cleaned, and regular maintenance requires less work and less material.
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Please do not hesiate to call us with questions ! We are here to help! 978-468-4411. You can also visit Pola's website for more information about Pola whitening materials, including before & after photos.