Teeth Whitening (Opalescence)

Our teeth tend to lose their bright white color as we age, making them look dull or yellow. The team at Crosby Dentistry offers a safe, effective way to restore your teeth to their white luminescence. Professional teeth whitening is perfect for a year-round glow or a special occasion. With the professional power of teeth whitening, it is possible to restore your beautiful white smile.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Different From Over-the-Counter Products?

Several over-the-counter products are available that will work to whiten your teeth. Usually, these products come in the form of trays that you wear for a short amount of time or as whitening strips attached to the teeth. Over-the-counter products contain peroxide, which helps to restore the white color to your teeth. Most will contain about 6 percent peroxide.

While the whitening products available at Crosby Dentistry also contain peroxide, our professional-grade solutions contain between 15 percent and 40 percent peroxide, making them far more powerful and effective. This increased concentration means that you can get dramatic results a fraction of the time. Teeth whitening is the perfect way to restore your smile in an economical and efficient way.

Will Whitening Work for Me?

Teeth whitening is great for many of our patients, but it isn’t the best option for everyone. For those who have stained or faded teeth, using a professional whitening agent is the ideal solution. However, for those who have teeth that have turned gray due to chemical changes within the body, teeth whitening won’t have much of an impact. No matter what the situation, Dr. Crosby works with each patient to find a suitable solution to give them the sparkling smile they have dreamed of.

How Is Professional Whitening Performed?

A common tool used by dentists is a specialized light that activates the peroxide. This unique procedure produces dramatic results, with some patients lightening their teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit. Dr. Crosby will apply a special light-activated whitening gel with a high concentration of peroxide. Then, when the light hits the gel, it activates the peroxide to whiten your teeth.

The light is perfectly safe and won’t harm you or your teeth. Many patients can leave the dentist’s office with whiter, brighter teeth after just thirty minutes of treatment.

Does Whitening Hurt My Teeth?

Using peroxide for your teeth is an incredibly safe and effective way to make your smile whiter and brighter. Peroxide is a commonly used chemical that can even be found in many commercial toothpaste and mouthwash brands. However, the higher concentration in professional whitening agents means that you cannot repeat the process regularly. If you want to make your teeth whitening services a routine, consult with Dr. Crosby to set up a safe schedule to ensure you have white teeth year-round.

How Long Will My Teeth Stay White?

Whitening agents can dramatically improve the coloring of your teeth, and results will last for a reasonably long time. Most patients notice that their white teeth remain for about three to six months, though some report the effects can remain for up to a year. Whitening results are instant, making them a great option for special events.

Much of how long your teeth whitening remains will depend on how well you care for your teeth. It is always important to practice good dental hygiene by brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily. Avoiding tobacco products and dark-colored liquids can also help you maintain your bright smile.

We love to see our patients shine! To schedule your professional tooth whitening procedure with Crosby Dentistry, give our office a call today.