Visit us at www.DentistsInDenver.com-V. Landon Blatter, DMD-

Over the past decade teeth whitening has becomeone of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Over the past decade teeth whitening has becomeone of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

As its popularity has grown, an entirelynew market has evolved offering

products and proceduresthat promise consumers whiter,

brighter, and more attractive smiles.

As its popularity has grown, an entirelynew market has evolved offering

products and proceduresthat promise consumers whiter,

brighter, and more attractive smiles.

It has become increasingly difficult for many to know which of theteeth whitening methods and products available are the most effective.

It has become increasingly difficult for many to know which of theteeth whitening methods and products available are the most effective.

Currently there are three common methods of teeth whitening - each with its particular pros and cons.

Currently there are three common methods of teeth whitening - each with its particular pros and cons.

These products can vary greatly in both price and effectiveness and range from whitening toothpastes to very low strength bleaching

agents.

These products can vary greatly in both price and effectiveness and range from whitening toothpastes to very low strength bleaching

agents.

While these products can be significantly less expensive than professional teeth whitening methods, they also tend to be the least

effective.

While these products can be significantly less expensive than professional teeth whitening methods, they also tend to be the least

effective.

While these products can be significantly less expensive than professional teeth whitening methods, they also tend to be the least

effective.

While these products can be significantly less expensive than professional teeth whitening methods, they also tend to be the least

effective.

Over-the-Counter ProductsOver-the-Counter Products

The most powerful of the over the counter bleaching agents only consist of a 3% hydrogen peroxide concentration as opposed to the 15% to 40% hydrogen peroxide concentrations used by dentists.

The most powerful of the over the counter bleaching agents only consist of a 3% hydrogen peroxide concentration as opposed to the 15% to 40% hydrogen peroxide concentrations used by dentists.

Most over the counter teeth whitening products also take weeks or months to generate noticeable results.

Most over the counter teeth whitening products also take weeks or months to generate noticeable results.

Inexperienced users and those that do not following the product directions may actually harm the teeth and gums.

Inexperienced users and those that do not following the product directions may actually harm the teeth and gums.

Custom Made Whitening Kit

Most dentists now offer custom made whitening kits that patients can use to whiten their teeth at home. These kits include a custom bleaching trays made to fit the patient’s mouth and a gel bleaching

agent.

Most dentists now offer custom made whitening kits that patients can use to whiten their teeth at home. These kits include a custom bleaching trays made to fit the patient’s mouth and a gel bleaching

agent.

Unlike the “one size fits all” bleaching trays found in over the counter whitening products, custom trays are adapted to each

patient to provide a better fit.

Unlike the “one size fits all” bleaching trays found in over the counter whitening products, custom trays are adapted to each

patient to provide a better fit.

These trays allow the bleaching agents to stay in better contact with the teeth, which produces more even whitening and less irritation to

the gums.

These trays allow the bleaching agents to stay in better contact with the teeth, which produces more even whitening and less irritation to

the gums.

Custom Made Whitening Kit

The bleaching agents included in the custom made teeth whitening kits are much stronger than over the counter products, consisting of

a 3% to 16% hydrogen peroxide concentration.

The bleaching agents included in the custom made teeth whitening kits are much stronger than over the counter products, consisting of

a 3% to 16% hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Custom made whitening kits must be crafted by your dentist and can take a several days or more to make.

Custom made whitening kits must be crafted by your dentist and can take a several days or more to make.

Because the bleaching agents are more powerful than over the counter products, their use should be monitored by a dentist in order to prevent issues. As with over the counter whitening products, over use can cause sensitivity in teeth and gums if used improperly or too

often.

Because the bleaching agents are more powerful than over the counter products, their use should be monitored by a dentist in order to prevent issues. As with over the counter whitening products, over use can cause sensitivity in teeth and gums if used improperly or too

often.

Professional Teeth Whitening

The fastest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to have them professionally whitened by your dentist. Although more

expensive than custom whitening trays or over the counter products, professional teeth whitening provides the most dramatic whitening

possible and can usually be done in one office visit.

The fastest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to have them professionally whitened by your dentist. Although more

expensive than custom whitening trays or over the counter products, professional teeth whitening provides the most dramatic whitening

possible and can usually be done in one office visit.

While the process is similar to the other two methods of teeth whitening, dentists use a professional dental-grade hydrogen

peroxide whitening gel consisting of a 25-40% hydrogen peroxide concentration providing faster and more effective whitening.

While the process is similar to the other two methods of teeth whitening, dentists use a professional dental-grade hydrogen

peroxide whitening gel consisting of a 25-40% hydrogen peroxide concentration providing faster and more effective whitening.

Some dentists also use special high powered lights to help accelerate the process, allowing the entire process to be done in an hour or less. It is also the safest method of whitening your teeth.

Some dentists also use special high powered lights to help accelerate the process, allowing the entire process to be done in an hour or less. It is also the safest method of whitening your teeth.