Bleaching at home
- Impressions are taken of the mouth and custom-built trays are made that fit snuggly over the teeth, reaching between the teeth as well.
- At home, patients add bleaching gel inside the tray and leave the trays on the teeth overnight or approximately two hours twice a day for about 2 weeks or less, but some discoloration requires more time up to 3 months.
- The beauty of this method is the trays will last several years and can be used over and over again by just adding more bleach
- Under dental supervision, the patient is still in control of how white they want their teeth to be, within physical limits of course.
- This is an excellent method of bleaching because it is easy and simple to use, relatively painfree, and reasonably affordable.
- Patients must adhere to the required schedule for this process to be successful. Nightly wear with 10% Carbamide peroxide is more effective and economical than 2 hours of daily wear as the bleach releases peroxide from 2 to 6 hours.
Bleaching in the office
- This is useful for those who cannot wait, do not like wearing trays, or need an immediate bleaching for an event, such as before a wedding
- Involves masking the gums from the bleach, applying bleaching gel and a special curing, plasma arc, halogen, laser or other light, to the teeth to activate the Hydrogen Peroxide in the gel.
- This process requires return visits for repeat bleaching between six months up to two years for maintenance
- In-office Laser bleaching requires lengthy treatment time, potential to cause sensitivity and less than desired results, leaving the teeth with a dehydrated look. I do not recommend this procedure until it can be perfected more.
ADA accepted bleaching products
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