Whitening Guide
The following guide was created to better explain your options for at home and in office teeth whitening treatments. It is recommended before any bleaching begins that you make an appointment with us for an examination. Dr. Watson will examine your teeth and gums to make certain that your choice of whitening method is appropriate for you. Patients with gum abrasions, sores, or other problems may not be immediate candidates and bleaching will not work for some patients who have veneers or those who have intrinsic stains that are below the enamel.
| Method of Bleaching |
Cost
|
Where
|
Time
|
Results
|
Comments
|
| OTC Paint-On |
$8-10
|
Home
|
10-15 minutes to apply 30 minutes twice a day for 2 weeks
|
-
|
Takes time to paint on every day. Less effective due to percent of bleach and irregular coverage
|
| OTC Bleach Trays |
$20-50
|
Home
|
30 minutes twice a day for 2 weeks
|
+
|
Bulky and often uncomfortable
|
| OTC White Strips |
$25-35
|
Home
|
30 minutes twice a day for 2 weeks
|
++
|
May bleach unevenly if teeth are not straight. May be difficult to keep on teeth (speaking)
|
| Professional Bleach Trays |
$250+
|
Dentist & Home
|
Short office visit. 1-2 hours daily for 3 weeks
|
++++
|
Most effective with reliable results
|
| ZOOM! |
$600 $450 |
Dentist & Home
|
1 hour in-office and at home follow-up trays
|
++++
|
Fastest result. Zoom is best for people with sensitivity because we block out those areas before the gel is applied.
|
Over the Counter Paint On Whitening
Just like it sounds, this method uses a whitening solution that is applied or painted on to each tooth individually, twice a day. Although it is one of the most inexpensive methods, there is a drawback in actual time spent applying the product and poor results due to the solution rubbing off or splotchy application.
Over the Counter Bleaching Trays
Another economical solution to teeth whitening offered are drugstore bleaching trays. The trays are one size fits all and can be bulky and cumbersome, unlike bleaching trays made in a dental office to fit your smile. The whitening solution is usually lower percent bleach and may not yield full desired effects.
Over the Counter White Strips
A popular option these days are over the counter white strips. These are thin strips coated with whitening film that once wet, conform to the shape of your teeth. They work by keeping the whitening gel in place against your teeth. Using white strips takes about 30 minutes, twice a day. Results are varied due to strips not covering the upper part of the teeth, or sliding around while talking or performing other tasks. Peroxide levels are also lower than professional bleaching methods and may take longer to reach optimum lightened levels.
Professional Bleach Trays
After an appointment at the office, you will receive individual upper and lower clear plastic trays that conform perfectly to your teeth. We will also provide you with a high peroxide solution gel (only available through a professional) that will be applied, along with the trays, nightly until desired results occur. Professional bleaching trays are usually the best bang for your buck, since they produce whitening up to 6 shades lighter and cost about half as much as faster in office treatments.
Zoom Whitening
The Zoom whitening system uses a method of a professionally applied gel and special light that work together to break up stains and discolorations on each tooth. This bleaching system is one of the fastest and most effective ways to get stunning whitening results. After about 45 minutes to an hour chair side, you can see up to an 8 shade difference in your tooth lightness.