Should I Try In-Office Or At-Home Teeth Whitening?

If you want a brighter smile, then you should see your Tucson, AZ, dentist about our professional teeth whitening systems. We have two different options to address stains and help people enjoy a much brighter smile. What’s the difference between our home-based and in-office procedures? When should patients talk to their dentist about teeth whitening?

Whitening Your Smile at Home

Our home-based option can address surface stains, known as extrinsic discoloration, and sometimes minor intrinsic stains as well. We begin by taking detailed digital impressions of your smile, which we use to design and create a set of plastic trays. We then prescribe a powerful bleaching solution. The patient returns home with the trays and gel in tow. At home, patients fill the trays with gel and wear them for a short amount of time, usually about 30 to 45 minutes. The total treatment period is typically between one and two weeks. Some people will enjoy a smile brightened by multiple shades! The results will be more substantial than most store-bought systems, and last longer on average.

A Brighter Smile in One Visit

We also have a procedure that can be completed in office, removing your staining in just one sitting. A great way to remove extrinsic stains, the procedure involves applying a protective covering on the lips and gums, before applying the bleaching gel to the teeth. We use a light to activate the gel and start breaking up the discoloration. After one to two hours, the procedure will be over and you’ll leave with a brighter smile. A great way to help those in need of a quick brightening procedure, say before a wedding or interview?

Addressing Intrinsic Teeth Stains

We briefly mentioned intrinsic stains above. These stains don’t form on the surface like most discoloration. Instead, they form in the dentin and may be caused by injury to the teeth fluorosis, or even exposure to tetracycline at a young age. If you have intrinsic discoloration so severe that teeth whitening isn’t enough to remove it, we may instead mask these stains using a restoration. A veneer covers the front of the teeth, and dental bonding can also offer a more cost-effective means of masking permanent discoloration. If you have any questions about teeth whitening treatment options, or about our lifelike restorations, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Teeth Stains?

Our team offers two very different options for removing discoloration, sometimes in one sitting. For more details on our teeth whitening techniques, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.