Should I have my teeth professionally cleaned before teeth whitening?

For BEST results (though not required), you should have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by your dental professional to ensure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.  Teeth whitening IS NOT a substitute for professional teeth cleaning and a regular oral check up with your dentist. If you have not had your teeth cleaned and examined within the past 12 months, you should reconsider teeth whitening until you do! We reserve the right to decline whitening if the condition of your teeth/gums present issues noted below.

 

Is teeth whitening for everyone?

Our teeth whitening system provides great results for anyone who wants whiter, brighter teeth.  This includes people with teeth that have been stained by smoking or consumable substances such as coffee, tea, soda, spices, wine, etc. Although tetracycline and fluoride staining cannot be removed completely, we typically see good results with this type of staining. Yellowish teeth are the easiest to whiten.  Teeth that have grey or blueish tones will not whiten as well - although you will see some improvement with whitening - just not as dramatic.  

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Who should NOT undergo teeth whitening?

You should NOT undergo teeth whitening if any of the following apply to you:

-Pregnant or lactating women

-Poor enamel or decalcification, exposed dentin layer

-Periodontal disease including gingivitis or gums in poor condition

-Excessive gum recession, excessive plaque

-Currently wearing braces

-Composite material within the smile line improperly matched to natural teeth

-Recent oral surgery

-Decaying teeth or exposed roots

-Open cavities

-A history of allergic reactions to peroxide products

-Have not had a professional oral cleaning in over 2 years

-Any existing untreated dental issues/problems not addressed above

-Under the age of 14 years

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Will it whiten my existing dental work?

Our teeth whitening products will remove staining from existing dental work and take it back to the original color. Our goal is to clean up the existing dental work and whiten the natural teeth to match for a nice even smile. We cannot whiten them beyond the original color of the material used at the time of placement by your dental professional. If your existing dental work is not in your smile line it won’t matter either way because it is not visible.  Our whitening products will not damage existing dental composite material.  

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How white will my teeth get?

Everyone's teeth will respond differently.  After undergoing whitening with our Teeth Whitening System, teeth shades will brighten up to 10 or more shades, with an average improvement of two to four shades with each 20 minute session. Individual results will depend on your current tooth shade, treatment time, your age and the composition of your teeth. Your end result will be a whiter, healthier smile. Everyone's teeth are different and will have a natural "stopping point."  If your teeth are already fairly white and you have done recent DIY at home whitening, your results will be less dramatic than those whose teeth are heavily stained.  We recommend 3 light sessions for optimal results on heavily stained teeth to remove all layers of staining. We also see great results on people with teeth stained by tetracycline, fluoride, and hereditary discoloration, however, removal of these types of discolorations are not as effective or dramatic. Again, teeth that are grey or brown in color, rather than yellow, will improve but not have as much significant results.

 

How long will the whitening last?

This varies from person to person and depends on your diet and lifestyle. However, with proper maintenance and periodic touch-up treatments, you can keep your smile looking great for a lifetime.  After an initial treatment, many clients return periodically - typically every 6-8 months. Again it all depends upon your lifestyle, food consumption and dental hygiene.  Keep in mind - it is not a "forever treatment" and will eventually regress without regular maintenance whether at home or in-office.

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How long does the treatment take?

Treatment times take typically 60 to 90 minutes depending on the discoloration of your teeth and the level of whiteness you wish to achieve. You may choose up to three back-to-back sessions during one appointment.  You do not return another time if you choose to have multiple light treatments - they are ALL done during the same appointment. 

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​Does it hurt?

Typically no, because our signature laser gel is all natural, the treatment does not hurt and most clients experience very little sensitivity afterwards. A small percentage of clients may feel some tooth sensitivity, especially if they are dehydrated or consume very cold/hot foods or drinks within two hours after the whitening session. Also, if you whiten at home often and have whitened within the past few months, your teeth may be more susceptible to some sensitivity.  Any sensitivity is usually short term, minor and usually gone within 24 hours. 

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What is the process?

We use the latest LED cold laser technology and our signature whitening gel consisting of natural plant and mineral based ingredients.   We determine your starting shade to track your progress with each light session. Vitamin E oil is applied to gums and lips to hydrate and protect.  Gel is applied to the "smile line" (typically the top and bottom 6-8 teeth.)  The LED light then completes acceleration of the gel in about 20 minutes.  You'll then rinse and we'll check your shade again.  You may elect to repeat the process, if needed, depending on the whitening progress.  Unless your teeth are already fairly white to begin with, most people achieve their best result with two or three light sessions - all within the same appointment.  Some teeth whiten very quickly, others need additional time - again, all based on varying individual factors.   Our system has proven to yield superior results with little to no sensitivity when compared to other whitening systems.

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What can I eat or drink after the treatment?

It's called the "White Diet".  After the treatment you cannot smoke or eat or drink anything but water for 2 hours.  For the next 24 hours, you should abstain from enjoying any of the usual tooth-staining suspects (ie. coffee, red wine, tea, colas, tobacco, and even citrus juices).  We can tell you how you might be able to get away with drinking these beverages if you really must get your fix.  A full set of after-care instructions are provided after the treatment concludes.  We offer a post-treatment "Shield" for an additional cost if you need/prefer not to follow the food/drink 24-hour restrictions noted above.

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Should I consider Teeth Whitening?

Studies have shown that people with whiter teeth look and feel younger, and there is a correlation between high self-esteem and a bright, confident smile.  Teeth whitening is a great way to instantly enhance your appearance.

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