TEETH WHITENING

To maintain a bright, white smile, it's essential to brush twice daily, floss once a day, and visit your dentist every six months. However, even with diligent care, teeth may not stay as white due to age, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Consuming tea, coffee, red wine, and using tobacco can lead to stains. For those looking to restore their smile, professional teeth whitening offers a more effective solution than over-the-counter kits. It's a simple process that can make a noticeable difference, working by penetrating the tooth enamel to dissolve stains. In-office whitening treatments can quickly brighten your smile, ideal for those needing immediate results for special occasions. Trust Camden Dental for expert advice and treatments to achieve your best smile.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening. Patients with gum disease or sensitive teeth may find the high-concentration peroxides used in dental offices worsen their conditions. For them, a tailored at-home whitening kit with lower peroxide levels and gum protection might be more appropriate. Whitening doesn't work for everyone. Restorations like crowns, veneers, and bonded teeth can't be lightened. Also, teeth with brown or grey stains may not whiten as effectively as yellow-stained teeth. For these individuals, veneers or crowns could be better alternatives.

PROFESSIONAL WHITENING PROCEDURE

The procedure starts by documenting your teeth's current shade to measure the whitening's effectiveness. Your dental professional will then safeguard your lips, tongue, and gums from the whitening solution with a rubber dam or protective liquid and a cheek retractor to keep your mouth open. After securing the soft tissues, a peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth in several sessions lasting 15 to 30 minutes each, with the total appointment lasting up to 90 minutes. Your dental professional will record the shade change afterwards and, if needed, provide take-home trays for upkeep. It's normal for teeth to slightly lose their new brightness a few days post-whitening, as they rehydrate.

AT-HOME WHITENING KITS

Our custom at-home whitening kits offer superior results compared to over-the-counter options, thanks to personalized fitting trays made from dental impressions. These trays ensure complete coverage and prevent gel leakage and gum irritation. However, not all stains are treatable with at-home kits, such as those from root canals or on restorative work like crowns and veneers.

GETTING YOUR CUSTOM WHITENING TRAY

Creating your custom tray involves taking digital scans of your teeth to produce a flexible, snug-fitting tray. You'll receive a peroxide gel to use with the tray, available in various strengths. Stronger gels offer faster results but may increase the risk of sensitivity and gum irritation. The treatment typically spans two to four weeks, with noticeable results often within the first two weeks. Should you experience any discomfort or sensitivity, contact us immediately. Note that any necessary dental work, like cleanings or fillings, must be completed before starting at-home whitening.