Age, diet, and other factors can cause teeth to darken or become discolored. Surface-level stains are what are known as extrinsic staining. Dr. Rod Gleave can brighten your teeth by several shades using professional teeth whitening. Dr. Gleave and our dental team are excited to provide comprehensive dental wellness to patients in Salt Lake City, Murray, and Park City, Utah.
What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?
Our office proudly offers two effective forms of cosmetic whitening: in-office and take-home teeth whitening kits. Both options use professional whitening gels that can only be prescribed by a professional dentist. Patients who desire quick and drastic results can benefit from our in-office option. Our professional whitening treatment can lift stains while lightening your teeth by several shades — all within one convenient visit to our Salt Lake City dental practice.
Some of our patients prefer to undergo treatments in the comfort of their homes. For these individuals, take-home kids are a great option. The treatments take longer, but each session can be completed at a time that is convenient for you. During your cosmetic consultation or as part of your regular cleaning and exam, Dr. Gleave can discuss the benefits of both treatment options.
What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Treatment
Cosmetic treatments are typically reserved for patients who are in good oral health. Having healthy gums is an important step if you are to fully enjoy the benefits of whiter teeth. Our office can treat tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Once you have restored oral health, Dr. Gleave can schedule your teeth whitening session.
During your in-office teeth whitening session, a member of our dental team will place a protective barrier along your gums that will keep the bleaching agents from coming into contact with soft tissues. A custom mouthpiece will also be made. Over-the-counter whitening kits do not offer these protections. Under close supervision, a member of our dental team will apply a strong bleaching agent to your teeth that will be held in place for around one hour. During this time, a special light will be used to speed the whitening process. You will be monitored at all times to ensure that you are comfortable. Once your treatment is complete, any remaining gel will be removed and you will be free to return home.
There are minimal risks for side effects associated with this treatment. Some patients report heightened sensitivity in the hours or days following their cosmetic treatment. This minor side effect will naturally wane and disappear as your teeth adjust.
Our take-home kits use a similar product and custom mouthpiece. You will be responsible for administering the bleaching gel. Take care to not overfill the gel. You do not want it coming into contact with your gums. You will be given instructions on how to place the gel and how long to leave the gel on. In general, take-home kits require multiple treatments. Follow the instructions closely and do not leave the gel over your teeth for a prolonged period of time to avoid developing teeth sensitivity.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Today!
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment that can brighten your teeth by several shades. To schedule your teeth whitening treatment, contact our Salt Lake City dental practice online or call (801) 747-8531.
