Professional teeth whitening from your dentist offers many advantages compared to over the counter (OTC) whitening kits. OTC kits often have a much lower cost, but the results will also last a shorter amount of time and probably require more frequent applications. Because OTC whitening kits use a less powerful whitening solution they can only treat surface stains. To get to the deep staining in your teeth, you need the help of a dental professional.
At Boulder Dental Arts we use a top of the line system to bring your smile to a dazzling brightness. One of the main reasons it’s more effective to do professional teeth whitening from your dentist is that you get a stronger whitening gel. OTC whitening kits usually only have ~10% whitening solution. At Boulder Dental Arts we offer 15%, 20%, and 35% opalescence carbamide peroxide gels. This means brighter, longer lasting teeth whitening. If you have tooth sensitivity we do recommend that you use a lower percentage to start out. This is to make sure you don’t have an increase in sensitivity from the treatment.
So how does it work at Boulder Dental Arts? First you’ll come into the office to have a mold taken of your upper and lower teeth. Then the Boulder Dental Arts team will make a custom bleaching tray from these molds. These take a day or two to make. Then you’ll come by the office and pick up your custom trays, whitening gel, and simple instructions. The cost for the trays and a 2-pack of whitening gel is $150. For the best results we recommend doing your whitening treatment consecutively each day until you reach your desired brightness. Then do it at least one more day, because the whitening can regress some after you stop doing the treatment.
We do recommend staying away from staining foods and beverages for the duration of your teeth whitening. This is because your teeth are more susceptible to staining while doing the whitening treatment. So this means avoiding coffee, tea, tomato sauce, tomato juice, yellow mustard, beets, black grapes, candies, and red wine. If you need to drink coffee, tea, or red wine, we recommend using a straw.
How long does professional teeth whitening last? It all depends on your maintenance and whether your habits cause excessive staining. For instance, tobacco smokers will have a hard time maintaining a bright white smile. Some people will need another whitening after a year, while others can have it last many years. Proper teeth brushing, and avoiding habits that cause staining are your best bet to keep your bright white smile.
If you have questions about professional teeth whitening at Boulder Dental Arts, give us a call at 720-627-5773. Click here to go back to the Services page.