COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Tooth whitening

When recently surveyed, ~80% of the population admitted to wanting whiter teeth.  With so many whitening products on the market to choose from, the choice can be daunting.

Some over-the-counter products are effective at whitening teeth, although they may not be as efficient as professional products.  The trick to whitening is having the whitening material in contact with the teeth for as long as possible.  With products such as whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses and strips, the products are competing with the patient’s tongue, lips, cheeks and saliva…so the whitener doesn’t stay on the teeth as long.  With professional products, such as bleach trays, the trays hold the whitening material against the teeth longer and whitening results are seen faster.

An even quicker result can be seen when combining in-office whitening with whitening trays.  A professional strength whitener is applied to the teeth at the dental office, for immediate results.  In-office whitening also involves patients taking whitening trays home for added results and for future touch-ups.

Contact Dr. Lawson for more information.