Teeth Whitening

Currently, there are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. If you are interested in whitening your smile, we suggest that you schedule a Preventative Appointment (cleaning and exam) with Folan Family Dental.   At your appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss teeth whitening with a dental professional, so you are able to better make a decision of what method best meets your needs.  

Teeth whitening methods are designed to lighten the color of your teeth. Significant lightening can be achieved in the vast majority of cases, but the results cannot be guaranteed and vary from person to person. Like any other treatment, it has some inherent risks and limitations. These are seldom serious enough to discourage you from having your teeth whitened, but should be considered when deciding to have the treatment.

In order to get the best results from the teeth whitening method you choose, you should have regular Preventative Appointments.  Preventative Appointments are commonly recommended every six months, but in some cases are suggested more frequently.  Patients can only receive in-office whitening products at Folan Family Dental if they have been seen in our office for a Preventative Appointment within the past six months. At FFD, teeth whitening is generally done at a Preventive Appointments and when completed then, there is a discount on the cost.

IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING 

Phillips Zoom Quick Pro

Phillips Zoom QuickPro is a whitening varnish that gives you a noticeably whiter smile (up to 4 shades).  It is applied by your dental professional in five minutes.  Thirty minutes after you leave the office, brush or wipe off your teeth.   

Custom Bleaching Trays 

Impressions are taken in our office to make custom trays for your take-home whitening system.  The system consists of syringes containing a whitening gel. A small amount of gel is placed into the appropriate areas within the tray.  The tray is placed in your mouth for a specified amount of time.  The chemical agents in the whitening gel eliminate stains from the outer most layer of the enamel.  This process is repeated until the desired results are achieved.

FFD's Endless Whitening Program 

Patients can sign up for the FFD Endless Whitening at a Preventative Appointment.  Patients that enroll in the program will have custom bleaching trays (see above for information) made by FFD at cost.  At six month Preventative Appointments (cleaning and exam) the patient will receive whitening refills for free.

AT HOME TEETH WHITENING

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners

Paint-on whiteners can be purchased over-the-counter and generally are less expensive and less effective than whitening strips or professional options. Paint-on teeth whiteners consist of a gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush. Paint-on whitening gel hardens into a film that coats the teeth, and dissolves in the mouth.

Teeth-Whitening Strips

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

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

The least expensive options are whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. They are designed to have “whitening” capabilities. The teeth whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes work to remove surface stains by using mild abrasives. However, unlike the materials used in professional whitening procedures, these products do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes affect surface stains and will mildly lighten your teeth.