We here at Bellano are committed to helping our patients smile confidently. To that end, we sat down with Dr. Wade Clayton to discuss the different types of teeth whitening we offer, and how to know which is the right choice for your needs.
- Who is teeth whitening for?
Almost anyone can benefit from teeth whitening, from ages 15 to 70! We offer three different methods to suit any level of whitening preferences.
- Custom Whitening Trays. This entails the patient coming into our office to be fitted for custom trays, after which we send them home with trays and a bleaching gel. Patients treat their own teeth at home for 2-3 weeks, wearing the trays for 30-35 minutes a day. After just 4 days, you’ll begin to notice the difference!
- Prefabricated Trays. Similar to custom trays, this on-the-go option allows for whitening on your own schedule, though some effectiveness may be lost since the trays are not custom-fitted to the shape of your unique smile.
- Zoom Whitening. This in-office procedure takes care of 85-90% of your total whitening process in the span of one appointment! During this 2-hour visit, we’ll also take impressions for custom trays so you can finish the process at home. Better yet, the custom trays are included in the Zoom fee.
- Can whitening damage my teeth?
Each of the methods we offer at Bellano are safe for your teeth, meaning they do not cause breakage, erosion, or enamel damage. Excessively-applied whitening gel may cause temporary gum sensitivity, which is why it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
If you are concerned about gum sensitivity, we recommend using Sensodyne Pronamel for 7-14 days before whitening begins.
- How does in-office whitening differ from drugstore whitening treatments?
Some patients see results with drugstore treatments, but the rate is much lower. Custom trays hold the gel to your teeth closely while strips move around, resulting in less direct application of whitening products. Ultimately, store-bought products are less effective than those provided by your dentist’s office.
- How can I keep my teeth white afterwards?
The more we drink red wine, coffee, and other dark beverages, the more darkening we see to the tooth’s appearance. To prolong the results of your whitening treatment, limit coffee and smoking and avoid red wine. Clear liquids are your best bet, and drinking through a straw can help as well. We also recommend using an electric toothbrush such as the Oral-B Genius Powerbrush, along with a whitening toothpaste.
We’re here to help you smile confidently, and would love to talk with you about options to brighten your smile. If you have more questions for our team or are ready to make an appointment, click the button below.