Posted by Robert Linder on Thu, Jul 01, 2010 @ 04:00 PM
What is the best way to whitening my teeth? The answer is simple, the best teeth whitening solution is the one that meets your teeth whitening expectations at a price that you are willing to pay.
There are a handful of methods to whiten your teeth:
- Brush and floss regularly - your mother was right!
- Use whitening toothpaste - found in most stores
- Get regular cleanings - we recommend every 6 months
- Get professional treatment - either in home or in office bleaching or laser treatment
- Consider veneers - custom made caps
If you have teeth, we recommend the first three regardless of your desire for a bright smile. If you want a whiter smile, or simply want to remove yellow teeth stains, we have found the professional treatment option of Custom Teeth Whitening trays, that you can administer at home, to be the most cost effective and successfull option. Here is how it works.
Step 1: Schedule a consultation with your dental provider and tell them you would like your teeth whitened. They will tell you if you are a candidate for treatment.
Step 2: Your dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower arches of your teeth and cast a model. They will then create a soft rubber-like custom tray that will fit over your teeth, much like a sports mouth guard.
Step 3: Your dentist will give you your trays along with whitening gel, typically a professional strength (10-30%) Carbamide Peroxide, along with instructions on how to apply the gel into the tray. For in-office whitening, your dentist can apply a prescription strength gel to your teeth in a 45-60 minute treatment for instant results.
Step 4: Each night before bedtime, you apply a small portion of the gel into the custom trays and insert the trays over your teeth for 30-60 minutes for a period of two weeks (or per your dentist's instructions).
Step 5: Smile and enjoy your white teeth.
Off the shelf white strips and toothpastes can work, but they are no where near the strength of professional bleaching systems that can be administered by your dentist.
How about cost? Most dentists will charge between $200 per arch for custom bleaching trays ($400 total). A healthy white smile leads to a happy patient, which is important to us.
How do I get started? Call your dentist right now or give us a call at (617) 625-0543 or register online for our new in-office Tooth Whitening Special. When you have your exam, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for professional whitening. Get your impressions that day and you can likely pick up your custom crays and whitening gel the following day.
Good luck and enjoy your new smile!
By Dr. David R. Steuer, Director, Alliance Dental, LLC
