Tooth Whitening enables you to enjoy the benefits of a whiter, brighter, healthier looking smile. We currently recommend two different take-home tooth whitening systems:
If you have relatively healthy and lightly stained teeth, then I would currently recommend the Professional Strength Crest Whitestrips. They cost about $2.50 for each application and normally you can see results within 7-10 days. We carry these in our office as a way of introducing our patients to the concept of home tooth bleaching and stain removal. These are 42% more effective than over-the-counter Crest Strips.
If you have teeth, which require frequent bleaching maintenance or the type of discoloration caused by chronic medications during development, then the most economical and effective technique is via custom fabricated trays and renewable supplies of Carbamide Peroxide in concentrations that are designed for each individual situation. This is an ongoing service that requires more of the Dentist's time for careful supervision and usually costs about $380 for the initial therapy and about $40 for bleach refills that will last easily 6 months or more which is more inexpensive than the Crest Strips.
The tooth whitening process entails the application of whitening gel to your teeth in a pliable strip or a soft, comfortable vinyl tray we make for you. The gentle oxygenating action of the peroxide gel safely removes stains from your teeth. We choose the whitening gel system that best fits your needs and you choose the most convenient times to use it. Throughout treatment with either system, we carefully monitor your progress.
Tooth color varies from person to person and can darken with age. Minerals, tobacco, antibiotics, foods and beverages can cause Staining and discoloration of teeth.
Length of treatment is affected by stain type, stain depth, and tooth structure. Within a few days of starting your program, you should notice whiter teeth. Normal treatment takes about two weeks, while difficult stains will take longer.
TV and drug store tooth whiteners do not achieve the same results as professional treatment. Many retail tooth whiteners use ineffective "one-size-fits-all" bleaching trays or paint-on solutions that quickly wash away. Also the cost per dose is higher as well as a lower percent concentration of bleach for the retail products vs. the professional grade systems.
Longevity of results depends on your unique combination of habits, foods, and tooth structure, which will influence long term results. Some patients need a slight "touch-up" more frequently than others; this can vary from weekly to 6 months or longer.
So- called Laser or Power Bleaching can be done in our office but doubles the cost of basically the same process, which will occur at home. Dr.Gordon Christensen's independent research group found absolutely no difference in the end results when "power or laser" bleaching was compared to the standard at home methods.
Call for a relaxing, informative visit with Dr. Schwan
at (610) 431-0700 today!
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