Teeth Whitening Questions
Serving Salt Lake City, Park City and surrounding Utah communities, including Evanston, Wyoming
What kinds of teeth whitening options are available?
You have probably seen dozens of teeth whitening products in stores, ranging from rinses to toothpastes to gels. These weak bleaching agents have contact with your teeth for only a few minutes. The weaker strength and short contact time gives them little ability to whiten.
The safest and most effective whitening agents are available through dentists. Because of these solutions’ higher peroxide concentrations, they should be used only as instructed or administered by a qualified dentist.
Custom-made trays are a better alternative, providing you use them as directed by your dentist. Unfortunately, many people cannot adhere to the recommended procedure, and end up with less than optimal results.
BriteSmile® is one of the most commonly used teeth whitening solutions. This process involves using a curing light to activate the solution and is done during an in-office visit. Stubborn stains or discolorations may improve by following up with take-home trays that you use at night, for about two weeks.
Lasers are used less often as a curing light. Stringent procedures and higher cost make laser activation a less useful option for whitening.
Does Dr. Johnson offer laser teeth whitening?
No. Dr. Johnson prefers BriteSmile® as an alternative to laser treatment. Rather than using a laser, a gas-plasma light in the blue/green frequency range activates these solutions.
Is teeth whitening painful?
Generally, teeth whitening is painless, although some patients experience tooth sensitivity for a day or so. Anti-sensitivity toothpaste generally relieves any discomfort. Rarely, a patient experiences more sensitivity. Dr. Johnson can administer a stronger anti-sensitivity agent, if that occurs.
How long does teeth whitening take?
Dr. Johnson applies three rounds of light activated gel, each over a 20-minute period. Altogether, your procedure will take about 90 minutes.
How many shades whiter can I expect from whitening treatment?
You and your teeth are unique. While the degree of improvement can be up to 10 shades lighter from a single visit, many factors affect how much your teeth can be whitened. Some medications darken teeth, and your natural enamel color, stains from coffee, red wine, berries, or tobacco may limit the amount of improvement possible.
Are there any alternatives to teeth whitening?
Yes. Porcelain veneers and prepless veneers, such as Lumineers®, can be chosen in any color you like. This is an excellent way to achieve, with certainty, the whiteness you want.
If you have stained or yellowed teeth and would like a brighter smile, please contact Dr. Kent Johnson at Advanced Dentistry for a personal consultation on teeth whitening in Park City or Salt Lake City, Utah.
