Everybody wants whiter teeth! Patients are surprised to learn that all bleaching systems rely on the same active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide. Over the counter systems provide the lower concentrations of peroxide, the results therefore take longer, with a low risk of sensitivity and gingival gum irritation.
We can provide a professional kit that includes custom trays to hold your bleach next to your teeth, they appear similar to a mouthguard. The bleach has a higher percentage than over the counter, making for faster results, but with higher risk of sensitivity and gingival irritation. Care must be taken, along with sensitivity toothpastes.
Finally, a bleaching light may be added with hydrogen peroxide to enhance whitening quickly. This makes it ideal for the special event, eg. a wedding, prom, graduation photos, etc. This treatment may be expensive, temporary and also leave sensitive teeth.
Please read this excerpt from the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) Vol. 137, No. 11, of an article by Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, founder of CR Foundation, on bleaching lights. (CR Foundation provides continuing education, and publishes Clinicians Report, which evaluates dental products and reports the results to the dental community much as Consumer Reports does.)