Whitening 101

As dental professionals, we are often asked to comment on the wide variety of whitening products on the market. “Do you do that one-hour whitening?”, “Do the Whitestrips really work?”, and “How do you get your teeth so white?” are all questions to which we have become accustomed. At Shannon DentalCare, we offer a three tier approach to a whiter smile. There is not one system that is “best” for all. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the facts about each type of whitening system can help you make the right choice for you.

Our “grab and go” system is called TresWhite. This method is perfect for the person who wants professional level whitening on a budget. Each box supplies you with a ten-day supply of whitening gel preloaded into trays. Simply remove the upper and lower trays from the kit, place over the teeth and leave in place for one hour each day. This is a very fast acting product due to the active ingredients. When the hour is over, simply remove the flexible trays and toss. Most patients are able to achieve the results they desire within the ten days supplied in each kit. However, if you want to go whiter, or when you choose to do a touch-up, a new ten-day kit must be purchased.

Advantages: ease of use, fast acting, low cost
Disadvantages: must purchase as 10-day supply

The Customized Tray system offers the most flexibility and options. Patients come into the office and have us make customized trays to fit over their teeth. Once you have the trays, you can decide how often and how long you want to whiten. Trays are generally worn anywhere from two to eight hours at a time. Whitening gel syringes can be purchased individually, allowing you to decide how long you choose to whiten. In addition to Whitening gel, syringes of Fluoride and/or Desensitizer can be used to help prepare teeth for whitening, or help reduce side effects. Once your trays are made to fit your teeth, they can be used for years to come, making this a very good long range whitening system.

Advantages: can be used for several purposes, allows for spot treatment, reusable
Disadvantages: worn for longer periods, requires two office visits

Finally, we offer a one-hour chemically activated whitening system. This is performed in the office, and is followed up at home with the TresWhite system. With the Xtra Boost system, the patient is laying in the dental chair for approximately one hour, while the active whitening gel rests on the teeth. Once the gel is carefully removed from the teeth, your whiter, brighter smile is revealed.

Advantages: works fast, only one office visit
Disadvantages: increased sensitivity, at home follow-up necessary

Many people wonder if the Crest Whitestrips and other over-the-counter whitening products work. The answer is yes, but you must be patient. Many times in order to achieve the level of whitening you desire, one must purchase multiple boxes of Whitestrips. In many cases, it is ultimately more effective to use a professional system.