Teeth Whitening
Portland, OR
Teeth Whitening provided by Dr. Sheryl Weissman
in Portland, OR at Weissman Dental
 When it comes to whitening and brightening your smile, you have several options, from whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, to whitening pens, to at-home whitening kits that use trays or strips.
For optimum results, however, you might consider a professional whitening. All methods are simple and easy to perform, whether you do it yourself with an at-home whitening kit or you get a professional whitening at Weissman Dental .
In-Office or At-Home Whitening?
There are several factors to consider when deciding which teeth whitening route to take. For the most noticeable results in the shortest amount of time, a professional whitening treatment is the best option. However, cost is usually a primary consideration when choosing which whitening method is best for you. While professional whitening can be expensive, it is by far the most effective method for transforming your smile as quickly as possible.
That isn't to say that other methods don't have merit because they certainly do, especially if you're simply looking for a way to periodically supplement your oral hygiene habits at home. However, if staining or discoloration of your teeth is substantial, you may be disappointed with over-the-counter (OTC) kits. OTC kits generally run from $40 to $100, while a professional in-office whitening treatment averages around $500 to $700. In the middle, there are professional at-home kits that we can provide you that cost $200 to $300 on average.
What to Expect From an In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure
Although one of our in-office teeth whitening treatments isn't a complicated procedure, it does take specialized skill to ensure that any surrounding soft tissues aren't agitated or damaged.
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After we've determined the current shade of your teeth, we will polish them with pumice to remove surface plaque. At this point, we will isolate the treatment areas from surrounding tissues using gauze and retractors to keep your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue protected from the whitening solution.
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Next, we will coat only the front surface of your teeth with the whitening solution, which contains either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent.
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Then, we will use a laser or curing light to activate the whitening agent and will leave it on your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. Once the optimum shade for your teeth is reached, we will rinse your teeth and may use a fluoride application to help alleviate any tooth sensitivity.
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Depending on your individual needs, subsequent visits may be scheduled to reach the ideal shade. Following each whitening treatment, you should avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks like tea, coffee, tomato juice, tomato sauce, beets, yellow mustard, red or black grapes, and red wine. |
Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
As an alternative to our in-office whitening treatment, we can provide you with a less expensive at-home professional whitening kit. DIY kits can only be obtained from dental professionals because they require dental impressions to ensure that the trays are custom-fitted to your teeth and will provide optimal effects.
These trays can take up to two weeks to fabricate, and then you perform the procedure at home for one hour per day for a two-week period. This method is simple and easy and offers much better results than most OTC kits. Although professional at-home kits aren't cheap, they can be the ideal choice for patients who simply can't afford an in-office treatment.
Teeth Whitening Options Are Available at Your Portland, OR Dentist's Office!
If you're ready for a smile makeover that is relatively affordable and doesn't require an invasive procedure, Weissman Dental is here to answer your questions and address any concerns. Give us a call today at (503) 274-2222 to schedule a consultation. |
