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While it may be easy to whiten your teeth using DIY teeth whitening products such as whitening strips at home, many of these kits will only whiten teeth a shade or two. If you want noticeably whiter teeth quickly, and to remove deeper stains, Great Lakes Family Dental offers teeth whitening services. When you need your teeth professionally whitened, schedule an appointment with one of our dental professionals or cosmetic dentists.

Whitening Solutions

In-office Whitening

In-office whitening provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office whitening, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. At Great Lakes Family Dental, we use top-rated in-office teeth-whitening products including Zoom, Glo Whitening, Ultradent and Colgate. These contain a stronger version of whiteners than over-the-counter products and they work faster. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser.

Results are seen in a single, 30 to 60 minute treatment. Or, to achieve dramatic results, schedule treatment over several appointments.

Teeth whitening is one of the most requested services at Great Lakes Family Dental. Your teeth will darken over time. Beverages such as coffee, tea, soda and factors such as childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use, or improper oral hygiene can have an effect on the color of your teeth.

At-home whitening often does not provide the results patients are looking for. As trained dental professionals, Great Lakes Family Dental dentists and staff implement industry-approved techniques to gently and safely whiten your teeth. And with many of our offices offering ZOOM! Whitening, your teeth could be whitened on your lunch break!

At-home Whitening Solution

Whitening your teeth at home can achieve a great result, but takes more time to get there. Our highly skilled dentists create custom teeth whitening trays that fit snuggly over your teeth. The first step is to make an impression (or mold) of your upper and lower teeth. This will act as a guide to create your custom-fitted whitening trays.

At a second appointment, you will receive the trays and whitening gel, and the dentist or dental assistant will demonstrate how to administer the whitening gel, and insert the custom whitening trays. Typically, patients wear these trays for one hour each day until the desired results are achieved, which usually is 2-3 weeks.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, whiter teeth can boost your self-confidence and improve the appearance of your smile.

Teeth whitening can remove or minimize stains from soda, coffee or other dark beverages, smoking, and aging. It may not reverse staining from antibiotic use, but each case is different. A cosmetic dentist at Great Lakes Family Dental can provide the best treatment option.

Teeth whitening, in combination with a cleaning that removes tartar and plaque may improve your overall teeth appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Whitening - Image

To see if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, your dentist or dental hygienist will have a consultation with you to evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and any dental issues you may have. If you do not have dental ailments, and are in good health, you may be a good candidate.

If you have the following conditions, you may not be a good candidate for a whitening procedure until your dental issues are resolved.

  • Gum disease – Teeth whitening can cause irritation to the gum line and cause pain and sensitivity for someone with gum disease.
  • Teeth decay – It is not safe to apply whitening agents on decayed teeth. The good news is, once the cavities are filled, it is then typically safe to have your teeth whitened.
  • Extreme teeth sensitivity – If you already have sensitive teeth and because as a side effect, teeth whitening treatments can cause sensitivity to hot and cold for a short time, you may need to use sensitive toothpaste and fluoride treatments for a few weeks before whitening your teeth.
  • Restorations – Whitening procedures do not whiten restorations such as crowns or bonding but may change your natural teeth and cause a noticeable unnatural difference between your restorations and natural teeth.

Steps to Take After Teeth Whitening Procedures

After Teeth Whitening - Image

With both the professional at-home whitening and the in-office treatment, you should see a significant difference in the shade of your teeth following treatment. Keep in mind these results are not permanent and food, drink, smoking and age determine how long the treatment will last before the teeth become stained or yellowed.

You can prolong the whitening process by following these tips

  • Avoid dark-colored beverages like coffee, red wine, soda, and dark beer.
  • When drinking, sip through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
  • Brush and floss multiple times a day.
  • Use a mouthwash to help remove stains every day.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Follow up with your dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.

Now you can achieve the dazzling white smile you’ve always dreamed of! Call us for more information and to schedule an appointment at a Great Lakes Family Dental near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does teeth whitening take?

Depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment selected, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks to whiten teeth. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will recommend the best type of teeth whitening for your specific needs.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

With upkeep, teeth whitening lasts for months. However, things like drinking coffee, tea, or soda, smoking, and not brushing regularly will cause teeth to stain and return to their original shade quicker.

Does whitening damage your teeth?

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment that has been used for decades. Your dentist can review any individual risks and answer specific questions you may have.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Tooth sensitivity is different for every patient. Teeth whitening is available in different strengths so it’s best to speak with your dentist about your level of sensitivity and the results you're trying to achieve. Teeth whitening has come a long way over the years and few patients have discomfort.

Book an Appointment

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If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Great Lakes Family Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.