Tooth Whitening (Part 1 – Whitening Options)

When I ask my patients what they would like to improve about their smile, the most common response is whiter and brighter teeth. If you are searching for a cost-effective and non-invasive way to esthetically improve your smile then whitening may be an excellent treatment for you.

The following information is the first instalment of a three-part series of articles that will address the most common questions and concerns I receive from my patients.

For Your Convenience
With 15 minutes per day you will notice a remarkable difference in your smile with our Take-Home Custom Whitening.  Alternatively, our Laser Whitening in-office treatment can whiten your teeth in less than an hour.  Both whitening systems offer safer solutions when compared to commercial brands.  Now that’s something to smile about!

Whitening Treatment Options – Laser vs Trays vs Store-Bought

Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten most people’s smiles and is available in a variety of methods and concentrations. The most common methods are Custom-Tray Whitening which is done in the comfort of your home, Laser Whitening is performed in our clinic, and there is a variety of commercial products sold over-the-counter at retail stores.

Both Laser and Custom Tray whitening systems offer fast, comfortable and effective results. The choice of one system over the other simply depends on your personal goals. If you would like fast results, laser whitening takes an hour. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity or would like a more controlled and targeted approach, then custom-trays would be more suitable for you.

Strips are not custom fit to your anatomy and therefore your teeth are not properly isolated from the gums. Excess whitening solution then oozes onto the gums and burns them. Our whitening systems seal the gums, protecting them from the whitening agents.

Paint-on whitening products don’t work in my clinical experience. Personally, I don’t know how they could! You paint the stuff on your teeth and pray that it doesn’t wash away, but as soon as you close your mouth your lips rub against your teeth and it rubs off. So, good luck trying to keep your teeth isolated and your mouth open for an hour.

Meeting Your Expectations
For your safety it is imperative to have a comprehensive examination first by a Dentist to assess for conditions or limitations that may impact on the success of this treatment.  We will also discuss additional treatment that would reduce the risk of complications, increase the success of treatment, and help you achieve reasonable expectations.

Priced Fairly
Compared to many cosmetic dental offices in Toronto, our whitening systems are reasonably priced. We will never expose you to teaser rates, fine-print surprises or gimmicks to attract you to become a patient of our office. We treat all of our new and loyal patients equally.

Stay Tuned for Parts 2 & 3 as they will address Safety Concerns and Limitations to Tooth Whitening.