There are a number of options available when it comes to teeth whitening (teeth bleaching), all with different advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore some of these options:
Over the counter whitening products are the entry-level approach to getting brighter teeth. The are inexpensive and readily available, but because their strength is limited as an OTC product, they are good “starter” choices for whitening. Many of the toothpastes that offer whitening are actually polishing and not whitening.
In-office whitening is a great approach to getting brighter teeth, and we’ve had with success with the Zoom in-office light. We have a specialized (and safe) whitening machine in the office that allows us to make the shade of your teeth lighter in only a few hours. The advantage of this approach is that it the results are instantaneous; the disadvantage however, is that the results don’t last as long as they would compared to a take-home tray approach, which we will discuss below.
Take home-trays are the most effective approach to whitening your teeth; and we use Ultradent product to achieve bleaching success. The whitening gel is very effective and can significantly lighten the shade of your teeth. The disadvantage to this approach is that you need to wear trays for a set time every night for a period of time (i.e. 30 minutes per night for 2 weeks), and compliance is key if you are to get the best results.
The problem with tooth whitening is that the longevity of the results are very much related to the type of bleaching you had and the types of food that you eat. Whitening with take-home trays will last significantly longer than whitening with OTC toothpaste, and will stay white longer if you eat clear foods vs. dark foods such as red wine and grapes.
One of the drawbacks to any type of tooth whitening is the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Get in TouchI love the compassion and quality of care you guys give. However the last visit I had my regular cleaning and went to check out only to find out that there was a additional charge. I Fully expected to pay for the Nitrous but the additional charge I was never told of prior to check out..thanks
I absolutely love this dental practice, and I have had a phobic fear of dental procedures my entire life!, ( terrible experience as a child). The waiting lobby is inviting, spacious, very clean, calming and well appointed, as are all of the treatment rooms. Also, EVERY member of the staff is extremely personable, knowledgeable, and thorough, they know their stuff! Lastly, Dr. Washington is a wonderfully competent and confident dentist. He has an excellent chair-side manner. He thoroughly explains each procedure. And, he is also has a gentle touch,and is very respectful of my mouth. In short, I highly recommend Lake Lanier Smiles!
People are always nice and professional. Dr Washington is very competent and helpful.
The staff is very professional. The hygienist is great, I did not feel like my teeth were being pulled while being cleaned like i have with previous dental offices. Dr Washington was great as well, very professional and caring. I highly recommend this Practice to anyone. I had a bad experience with another Dental office where the Dentist drilled through my tooth into my gum and nerves. I do not have that fear coming to this office and will be returning there to have some more work done very soon! Thank You for helping me overcome my fear of the chair Lake Lanier Smiles.
