Teeth Whitening in Boca Raton, FL

In-office whitening makes the fastest and most significant difference in your smile. Because we are authorized to use a more powerful form of peroxide, we can make your teeth several shades whiter in around an hour, making it a great option when you have a formal occasion coming up. Not everyone is a candidate, however. If you have gum disease or sensitive teeth, the stronger peroxides can aggravate your condition, and a take-home kit may be the better choice.

During the appointment, the dentist first records your starting tooth shade, then protects your gums with a rubber dam or a liquid barrier and inserts a cheek retractor to keep the whitening gel away from your lips and cheeks. The peroxide gel is applied in a few 15 to 30 minute cycles, with progress checked between each. The full visit lasts about one hour to an hour and a half, after which the dentist notes how many shades your teeth changed and may provide take-home trays to maintain your results. You may notice your teeth losing a little brightness a couple of days afterward, which is a normal reaction as your teeth recover from dehydration during the process.

If you prefer to whiten on your own schedule, our custom take-home trays deliver better results than any over-the-counter kit. Because they are made from impressions of your teeth, they fit comfortably and securely, cover the spots drugstore kits tend to miss, and avoid the gel leakage and gum irritation common with store-bought products. Keep in mind that some stains cannot be corrected with whitening gel, including root canal discoloration and stains on crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth, for which new restorations may be an alternative.

To create your trays, we take a putty mold of your teeth, which a dental lab uses to make flexible custom trays. The dentist then selects a peroxide gel suited to your needs, keeping in mind that stronger gels work faster but are more likely to cause sensitivity or gum irritation. From there, you squirt the gel into the trays and wear them for around two to four hours each day. Treatment typically lasts two to four weeks, with most patients noticing whiter teeth within the first two weeks. If you experience tooth sensitivity or irritated or painful gums, stop treatment and call us right away. Please note that any necessary dental work, such as cleanings or fillings, must be completed before you begin whitening at home.