Ejldental

A Whiter, Brighter Smile For Spring!

Staff | April 2022

Teeth whitening is a trend that adults and teens are interested in. There are a few different methods to brighten your teeth. Here are some of the basics about teeth whitening and bleaching.

Some teeth-whitening treatments are done in a single session in the office. Others are done at home, over time. 

• In-office Teeth Whitening
  Also called chair-side bleaching, an in-office whitening treatment is provided by one of our dentists in a single visit. The procedure generally takes about 90 minutes. During the visit, your dentist will apply a protective gel around your gums. Then, the whitening agent is applied to the surface of your teeth. By the time the treatment is complete,  you’ll notice that your teeth are a few shades whiter.
  
  
• At-home Teeth Whitening
  These are the common methods for whitening your teeth at home. 

- Tray Whitening
At EJL Dental, our dentists provide a tray and prescription-strength whitening gel. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. At-home, professional tray whitening typically takes 10 to 14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days.

- Teeth-Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are usually thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. Whitening-strip kits contain strips for the upper teeth and 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 of your teeth. Teeth-whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes, twice a day. 

- Whitening Toothpaste
The least expensive options for whitening are toothpastes and mouthwashes. They lighten your teeth by removing surface stains with mild abrasives.

Before committing to teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist first. Whitening gels contain chemicals that may not be very friendly to the gums and the rest of the mouth. These gels may increase tooth sensitivity. Incorrect use can lead to temporarily burned or bleached gums.

At EJL Dental, we’re here to help you have a bright, confident smile. Our dentists can advise you on the whitening method that’s best for you! Schedule a consultation by calling (301) 881-6170.