Professional teeth whitening at Long Lake Dental is your best choice when you need immediate whitening results. This procedure is called chair-side bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 60 to 90 minutes.

During chair-side bleaching, we will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

 

At-Home Whitening:

There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by our office or purchased over the counter. They are generally teeth whitening trays (mouthguards), strips, or paint-on products.

 

Teeth Whitening Trays:

These products contain peroxide(s) which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Carbamide peroxide is the bleaching agent and comes in several different concentrations – we offer 20% and 35%). Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used twice a day for two weeks, while others are intended for overnight use for one to two weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from our office, we can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.

 

Teeth Whitening Strips:

Teeth-whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide bleaching on one side. Whitening strip kits come with two types of strips: for the upper teeth, and for the lower teeth. The bleaching agent is applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips into place to ensure contact with all your teeth. Teeth-whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day.
The duration of the treatment will vary.

Teeth whitening can have some minor side effects:

• Tooth sensitivity: teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In most cases, the sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished.

• Soft tissue irritation: Some people also experience some soft tissue irritation that can be caused by a tray not fitting properly, or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues.

If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with Dr. McNaught or Dr. Leggett.